Supralunar, 2018
Supralunar, 2018 © Rob Battersby
JUAN CORTÉS (CO)
Supralunar, 2018
Custom built mechanism in metal, plastic and acrylic (dimensions variable); Arduino; LED lights
What is the role of dark matter, an invisible form which accounts for approximately 70% of all matter in the universe? In the 1970’s, astronomer Vera Rubin discovered that the objects at the edges of galaxies moved faster than expected, and predicted the existence of unseen dark matter to explain the discrepancy.
Supralunar invites us to experience discoveries made by Rubin on the relationship between dark matter and the rotational movement of galaxies. It proposes a poetic approach to dark matter, visualising this strange and unknown entity that scientists believe supports entire galaxies, stopping them from being torn apart by the extreme speed at which they rotate - but which we cannot see or detect yet.
Supralunar, 2018 © Rob Battersby
Supralunar, 2018 © Drew Forsyth
Placing one's chin onto the vibrating plate causes the skull’s bones to act as an amplifier for the sound produced by the electromechanical gears inside, while the frequency of the lights inside, visible through a lens, creates a simulation of the morphogenesis of a galaxy through light and sound. Paradoxically, Supralunar’s construction –reminiscent of an ancient clock– allows us to comprehend through everyday, classical mechanics a phenomenon that is based on the abstract theories and unseen constituents of modern physical cosmology.
Courtesy of the artist. This work was developed as part of the Collide International Award, a partnership programme between Arts at CERN and FACT, and was co-produced by ScANNER. It was produced in collaboration with Atractor Studio, with special thanks to HyphenHub NYC.
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Juan Cortés
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Making of: Supralunar, 2018
Juan Cortés