Which Dimension Are We In?
By Roberta Alvarenga

We humans, inhabit the three-dimensional (actually which ones are they?) world, but we know that according to complex physics theories; there are many more dimensions than our fingers can count. As a multi-sensorial experimentation tool of space concepts, the work presented by Daniela Kutschat and Rejane Cantoni, OP_ERA Hyperviews was developed to be an immersive installation, in which flashes of light were synchronised as to simulate the unfolding of a 4D cube (hypercube). Imagine being inside a black room with lights blinking in a pre-programmed way and which produce the image of a moving hypercube on our retina. Roberta Alvarenga, scholar and writer on the relationships between art, science and technology at Catholic University of Sao Paulo, speaks with artist/scientist/researchers Daniela Kutschat and Rejane Cantoni.
Roberta Alvarenga: What is " hyperviews"? how long does it last?
Daniela Kutschat and Rejane Cantoni: OP_ERA: Hyperviews is an immersive installation designed to explore representations of 4D objects via multi-modal interfaces (visual and sound). The visual interface is specially built into a dark 3x3x3m cube. In 5 of the walls of this cube, an automated system triggers synchronized flashes of light that represent temporal projections of the vertexes of a 4D object (hypercube). These visual stimuli are designed to produce post-image effects in the users. The immersion lasts for 1 minute 10 s. [img_3]
This interface is by-product of a major project called OP_ERA.
RA: What’s "op_era" ?
DK and RC: OP_ERA is a multi-sensorial experimentation tool of spatial concepts. Designed as an immersive-interactive environment for virtual reality systems the implementation of which encompasses research and development of the following: (1) scientific and artistic models of space; (2) man-computer interfaces (hardware and software) through which the human and the artificial agent (computer) are symbiotically interconnected; and (3) alternative forms of perception and cognition of space through multi-sensorial experimentation of conceptual models of space.
RA: In "hyperviews" you transport us to the fourth dimension. How would you describe it?
DK and RC: In order to build mental shapes of higher dimensions we use 3
rules: 1. splitting of hypercube into lower dimensions; 2. projections and shadows tests; 3. analysis of intersections and cross sections. From these rules, we build the interface which is composed of the following: 5 walls with trimmed facets, 1 set of lights (688 halogen lamps 100W, 220V), 1 personal computer with Light Jockey software, sequential devices with 12 channels (racks) and custom made software.
RA: Where are we going in the next version? In which dimension will we meet?
DK and RC: The main objective of our continued work and research is to expand the way in which we perceive and acquire knowledge of space-time phenomena, therefore, just wait and see. The project foresees 11D plus we are going to exhibit it in the Beall Center for Arts and Technology in April 2005.
More than simply an exhibition, the biennale also counted on an international symposium that integrated the discussions circle of Technological Divergences. Experts, artists and technologists from various parts of the world took part over the course of 5 days, in round table discussions on themes such as: Networks and New Intervention Spaces; Art and Technology: How to make the debate political?; Poetics and Perspectives of Artmedia; Digital Inclusion, Free Software; Open codes; Subjectivities in Networks; Emerging Realities; The city as an interface; Immersive virtual spaces; The new biological paradigm; Friction and resistance in Global Society. Thus, by proving that divergences, no matter whether they are economic, political, cultural or biological, are what make the world move forward (and often backwards), Technological Divergences are proof they do indeed exist, and just like art, are everywhere.
We can build and develop new technologies or buy them at the supermarkets. We can program systems, re-program them, destroy them and also, of course, hack them. As adults, we now toy with building bombs and destroying lives, just like we toyed with building cities using Lego pieces when we were kids.
Technological divergences?! Between the borders, it is not technology that matters, but what we can do with it.