“The Order of Time” is an immersive installation by Minimaforms, the innovative studio led by Stephen and Theodore Spyropoulos. Hosted at the Architectural Association Gallery (AA Gallery) in London, this captivating exhibition runs from 28 April to 3 June 2023. Melding the disciplines of art, physics, and architecture, it delves into how our perceptions of time and space shape human experiences and relationships.
Connecting Science, Art, and Architecture Drawing inspiration from physicist Carlo Rovelli and George Spencer Brown’s seminal work “Laws of Form”, the installation is rooted in the concept of time as a relational and ever-present construct. Rovelli reminds us that, in physics, there is no past or future—everything exists in the eternal present. This profound understanding serves as the backbone of the installation, inviting visitors to reimagine their relationship with the world around them through an interactive lens.
Three Sculptural Works at the Heart of the Exhibition At the core of “The Order of Time” are three dynamic sculptural pieces that shift in scale and magnitude. These works are designed to reveal the complex interplay between spatial structures and human interaction. Organised through mathematical logics, the sculptures employ arrangements of spheres within reflective lightboxes, creating an experimental environment where visitors can explore the boundaries of space and perception.
Each sculpture operates as a visual experiment, bridging design algorithms and life simulations. Drawing on foundational ideas like John von Neumann’s self-replicating machines and John Conway’s Game of Life, these works illuminate how associative rules can structure models that reflect the ongoing creation of worlds.
Inspired by Powers of Ten and the Power of Discovery The installation takes cues from the iconic short film Powers of Ten by Charles and Ray Eames. Like the film, it examines time and space at varying scales, from the subatomic to the cosmological. According to Theodore Spyropoulos, the goal is to connect the realms of physics and philosophy with art and architecture, encouraging visitors to discover the world through direct experience.
As George Spencer Brown famously wrote: “Draw a distinction, and a universe comes into being.” This concept resonates throughout the installation, illustrating the continuous and plural process of world-building, where individual observations contribute to a greater cosmology.
A Fusion of Art, Technology, and Science The installation combines artistic ingenuity with technological advancements to examine the dynamic forces of algorithmic structuring and life simulation. The sculptural works challenge the viewer to engage with their environment on a deeper level, highlighting how seemingly abstract concepts like time can influence our perception of space and relationships.
Additional Highlights:
In addition to the sculptures, the exhibition features generative studies, drawings, and films that expand on its themes. Visitors can also engage with a conversation between Carlo Rovelli and Theodore Spyropoulos, where they discuss the philosophical and scientific implications of time as a relational construct.
Exhibition Details
Title: “The Order of Time”
Artists: Minimaforms (Stephen and Theodore Spyropoulos)
Dates: 28 April – 3 June 2023
Location: Architectural Association Gallery, London, UK
Why You Should Visit “The Order of Time” is more than an exhibition; it is an invitation to reconsider how time, space, and human connections intertwine in an ever-present continuum. By blending art, science, and technology, this immersive experience redefines the boundaries of design and challenges our understanding of the world.
For those seeking an innovative exploration of the relationship between time and space, “The Order of Time” is a must-visit. Don’t miss this chance to engage with a groundbreaking installation that reimagines the present and inspires new ways of thinking.