The Science
In Quantum Field Theory, particles are formed seemingly from nothing by vibrations in the field. The theory states that all particles in our universe are this invisible field itself, in an excited state. Similarly many religious beliefs allude to the creation of form from nothingness. Working through abstraction, 'Eternal' attempts to depict the creation of matter from 'nothing' as a movement from darkness into light and space
The black and white triangular forms have various scientific and religious connotations, but are predominantly derived from Taoist principles - essentially that male and female energies (or yin/yang) give birth to the physical world. These triangular forms direct the 'energy', alluding to the balance of giving and receiving, or flowing of energy, Tao, or vibration as we may call it. The black triangle can also be seen as a reference to dark matter which has provided something of a grid or pattern for our visible universe (the white triangle) to form in alignment with. The concept of planets, beings, and galaxies formed from dark matter as a 'shadow universe' is in the realms of science fiction, but the unknown aspects of dark matter and how it links to our material reality, is a constant source of scientific speculation.
Taoist emptiness (Wuji) is represented in the Taijitu Shuo (a traditional Taoist diagram) by an empty circle from which all matter is created, prior to the Yin and Yang birthing the manifest world. Here, an expanding solid orb within an empty circle represents 'Taiji' or Tao in motion. This is the spark of creation, a vibration where 'something' is formed from 'nothing'.
The seven radiations of colour refer to the manifestation of our physical universe from this process, as a display of brilliant light - that which is seen, known, and understood, and is therefore very simply represented by visible wavelengths of light, much like refracted light through a prism
The Artist
Paul James was born in Manchester, UK, and now lives and works between there and Cheshire in his practice Paul James Workshop. His work searches for the things that connect us: as humans, as inhabitants of the planet, as a part of the universe. He explores spirituality, scientific theories, and nature, and asks what it means to be natural. His varied creative background, spanning music, film, art, design, and architecture, allows him to work from various perspectives to find the most suitable approach to express his ideas, and gives the artwork freedom to continually evolve.
Website: www.pauljamesworkshop.com
Instagram: pauljamesworkshop
Copyright statement. This work is published under the CC BY-NC-SA license