M Theory: Kürten, Liu, O'Reilly, Porter, Colosky, Diener, Gutierrez, Hsu, Mayer, Ortbal, Ross, Young Sim

The most revolutionary theory in physics today is M Theory. It postulates, among other things, that the universe consists not of three or four dimensions, but rather eleven. And in the 11th dimension there exists not only our Universe, but an infinite number of other possible universes. Some of these cosmos could operate under the same natural laws as ours, while others could be driven by entirely different properties and systems. They are worlds in which literally anything is possible.

M Theory, aka Membrane Theory, is so enigmatic and profound in its implications — essentially a Theory of Everything — that scientists impart a variety of meanings to the “M” in its title, such as magic, mystery, or madness. This exhibition features artists of boundless imagination whose work envisions other worlds. These alternate realities might intersect with our own, tweaking the familiar in odd or mysterious ways. Or they might involve fantastic characters and elaborate chronicles. They are rooted in myths, fairy tales, science fiction, superheroes, anime and manga, virtual reality, and cyberspace.

Our culture’s obsession with the supernatural increases in proportion to our technological capacity to envision it. Movies and books like The Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, Star Wars, The Matrix, Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon, and the recent spate of superhero remakes are some examples. Even the surging popularity of TV “reality” shows may be just another dimension of the same obsession. Within this contemporary context, as well as its historical roots, the artists in this exhibition gleefully leap into alternate realities as weird and wondrous as the notion of parallel universes.

Artists include: Randy Colosky, Ann Diener, Robert Gutierrez, Joyce Hsu,
Stefan Kurten, Crystal Liu, Gerhard Mayer, John O’Reilly, Robert Ortbal,
Liliana Porter, Adam Ross, Jee Young Sim and others.