Containing expanding space - 2014

Our perception of reality is limited. Despite the vastness of our universe, for mostly all of mankind, the natural view is what is visible, and normal notions of space are shaped by the human senses. It is the objective of this thesis to use sculpture to express and manifest a reality of space that exists beyond our perceptual comprehension, to expand our understanding of the reflected image and to witness space beyond the quotidian.

This thesis focuses on the "Sphere Mirror", an isomorphic shape that reflects surrounding space. Through it, the interrelationship of the concepts of Reflection, Space, and Sphere is examined. The research supporting this thesis relates the key theories of Michel Foucault's theory of "Virtual Space", Albert Einstein’s theory of "Relativity" and Stephen Hawking’s theory of "Curved Space".

In the creative work, the use of reflection objectifies the concept of "virtual space", specifically, "heterotopia". The virtual image produced by a "Sphere mirror" coincides with the scientific theories of curved space, which is the most naturally occurring shape in the universe.

My artwork "Onomatopoeia" is a symphony of spheres, a collection of varied compositions of mirror-polish stainless steel spheres of different sizes that are attached to each other. The multiple reflections produced by the sphere is my visual analogy of the cosmic or universal space. A microcosm made tangible by an “interactive” sculpture.