VR Multidimensional PHYSICS Art Project

La Planète Fantasmagorique | Spring 2020

The foundations of modern physics and cosmology were based on principals of geometrical space used and established by ancient thinkers like Pythagoras, Euclid, Plato and Aristotle. Today, physics has been stumped by ‘spooky’ phenomena that require new and diverse understandings of dimensional space and time. Quantum field theory, string theory, and a variety of multidimensional and non-Euclidean approaches are being explored through calculations by intelligent physicists and mathematicians looking for a way to explain strange phenomena and remain consistent with Einstein’s Theories of Gravitation. Their calculations and models; however, are rarely comprehensible for the everyday student or even scientist. This 360-video project exposes the observer to the strange, counter-intuitive, and sometimes uncomfortable experiences that emblematic of different attempts understand higher-dimensional physics. The viewer is taken on a journey from familiar dimensions of the 1, 2, and 3 dimensions to multi-dimensions. The first familiar section demonstrates pulling 1 dimension to two as a waveform, then pulling 2 dimensions to 3D by forming the five platonic solids. Then the viewer is taken to Plato’s cave where they experience projected shadows of 4D and multidimensional figures. The soundtrack is composed of bites from La Planète Sauvage, Plato’s “Apology”, and Richard Feynman’s lectures. Endeavors to understand the fundamental nature of the universe, especially in this new age of physics and cosmology, are intimidating. And now more than ever require nontraditional approaches. Physicist and mathematician Blaise Pascal once wrote, “[t]he eternal silence of these infinite spaces terrifies me” (Pascal 230). Our project attaches sound and visuals to various unnerving nonclassical ideas to develop their interest and understanding of these subjects. Created with Blender and Premiere Pro by Samantha Daley and Jamie Park