The Quintessence (alternate title Dark Matters) is a proposed multiplatform artwork exploring the enigmatic cosmological phenomena of dark energy and dark matter, the efforts to understand it, and the ways in which the universe continues to fascinate, confound and surprise us. Designed as a multiplatform exhibition for two NSW art galleries – one regional, one metro – using augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), location-based and gallery installation elements, the project takes as its starting point the scientific revival of the alchemical term ‘quintessence’ – medieval philosophy’s enigmatic ‘fifth element’ – to explore the intriguing phenomena of dark energy and dark matter, through integrating artistic, speculative and factual contents in unexpected ways. What exactly are these ‘dark’ phenomena, comprising such large components of the universe? Can they be seen as a metaphor for the unknowable and enigmatic nature of space, time and existence? As science upends our understanding of the cosmos, the universe becomes mysterious again.
The Quintessence will traverse and poetically engage with artistic, speculative and factual contents concerning dark energy and dark matter. It will explore potentials for combining AR and VR contents with informative, playful, embodied and located experiences to engage audiences and activate locations using a combination of familiar, accessible devices – their own mobile phones – as well as emerging technologies and devices, fostering unique cultural experiences for regional and metro audiences.
As contemporary research in astrophysics speculates on the nature of dark energy and its fundamental but mysterious role in the composition and expansion of the universe, scientists have revived the alchemical term, ‘quintessence’ to describe a hypothetical component influencing the evolution of the universe (Steinhardt 2003). This intriguing relationship between contemporary astrophysics and medieval alchemy is the starting point for The Quintessence, which teases out these hidden connections, exploring the enigmas in the world – and the ether – that surrounds us. Further information can be found at the dedicated Quintessence site.
