We rarely examine the underlying assumptions that influence our spatial understandings and experiences. Space is like the air we breathe — we are always in it, rarely conscious of it and largely unaware of its impact unless we can quiet the world around us. We all perceive space in essentially the same way. This doesn’t mean that we all utilize or employ these understandings and experiences in the same way.
In 1915 Albert Einstein published the Theory of Relativity, which codified notions of space (three dimensions) and time (the fourth dimension) that most of us unknowingly operate under. The power of Einstein’s theories was its predictive accuracy — a useful description of the universe and how it behaved. We have been probing this understanding of time/space for at least a century and some now consider Einstein’s four-dimensional universe a creative straight jacket.
Quantum theory reveals deficiencies in Einstein’s theory and many contend that his work will soon be replaced by a more comprehensive, sophisticated description of the way the universe operates. The technology that defines much of modern life today would not exist without quantum physics and the formulas that accurately describe the bizarre behavior of minute particles — the building blocks of the universe. The laws of quantum mechanics suggest a universe filled with alternate realities, where the three-dimensional world is an illusion and where there is no distinction between past, present and future. As an artist interested in the nature of space, it is certainly exciting to ponder the implications of these discoveries.
Popular movies like Inception, Interstellar and Dr. Strange begin to speculate what experiencing these new dimensions might be like. So does the recent work of Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama. The piece shown here is entitled Infinity Mirrored Room – The Souls of Millions of Light Years Away, reflects Yayoi’s interest in theses mysterious cosmic realms. The work allows visitors to seemingly float in an ethereal space where reflections and lights endlessly extend in every direction.
The installation replicates the observer in multiple locations and, similar to quantum theory, those likenesses remain tethered to each other or entangled even though there is no physical connection. Only one person can enter Yayoi’s installation at a time so the lines to experience this piece are long and the wait is often 4-8 hours. Perhaps you could wait in line while you go about your business in a parallel dimension.