For the EPFL-CDH Artist in Residence Program Enter the Hyper-Scientific I have been invited to continue my research of geometric structures at the Geometric Computing Laboratory of Prof. Dr. Mark Pauly.

Exhibition text:
„Immersing visitors in a dynamic environment, Aetherocohedron is a kinetic installation that invites an intuitive understanding of the concept that all elements and forces in the universe are fundamentally linked, constantly transforming while maintaining a coherent structure.
Its exploration of geometric forms in a synergistic system of entangled elements generates a powerful symbol that gestures towards ancient wisdom, mathematical principles and modern concepts of interconnectedness and correlation.

During his residency, Josua Putzke was working in Mark Pauly’s Geometric Computing Laboratory, where he engaged with researchers and collaborated on various projects.
He envisioned creating a kinetic “breathing sphere” and the use of motion in his work, in turn, inspired Pauly and his team as well.
They are now investigating the mathematical properties of polyhedral shapes, in line with the forms Putzke introduced with his kinetic installation, and are currently writing a conference paper based on these findings. Their research includes insights into how the duality of Platonic Solids — such as dodecahedron and icosahedron — can be realized in one object that maintains a coherent, interconnected structure throughout the transformation between states.

They named this new class of geometric structures Aetherocohedra, a compound word of ‘Aether,’ ‘Co,’ and ‘Hedra.’
In ancient Greek mythology and early physics, Aether was believed to be the fifth element, a pure, ethereal substance that is interwoven throughout the cosmos. ‘Co’ introduces the principle of dynamic coherence in continuity, and ‘Hedra’ refers to polyhedra, like the Platonic Solids.
Aetherocohedron can be seen as a poetic exploration of how we might imagine the structure of the invisible — the fluid nature of that non-binary state of matter at a quantum level, where all perceived reality is shaped and manifested through conscious observation. Staged with an interplay of light and shadow it references Plato´s allegory of the cave, reflecting on the way we perceive and construct reality. The sculpture’s ability to shift between different states of duality, while remaining complete and coherent at every stage, represents the interplay of cosmic forces.

The sounddesign by the sound-artist Konchord is inspired by the song of birds being in constant coherent movement, circling along the sunrise since the beginning of time.
Aetherocohedron serves as a bridge between the tangible and intangible aspects of reality—a bridge from which we can visualize and contemplate the fundamental nature of the universe.“

In collaboration with Prof. Dr. Mark Pauly and EPFL Geometric Computing Laboratory
for EPFL-CDH Artist in Residence Program Enter the Hyper-Scientific

Materials: various, mechanical components, one motor
Dimensions in open state: height 222 cm, Ø sphere 125 cm

Curator & Head of Program: Giulia Bini
Technical Support: Filip Goc, Florin Isvoranu
Video Production: Also Starring
Sound Design: Konchord
Poster: Jakob Kirch

Exhibition 18.10. – 9.11.2024 @ EPFL Pavilions