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EIJI SUMI
Newtonic 

Hacking the Gravity 2024
Kaist +CommDe Eiji Sumi and Jinjoon Lee

Simulation and Sound (2022) "Newtonic," Sumi's captivating 3D simulation animation artwork, stands as a sci-art masterpiece that intricately explores the convergence of science and art. Drawing inspiration from the rich history of humanity's research on gravity and its profound effects on living systems, Sumi takes viewers on a mesmerizing journey through the depths of scientific discovery. It all began two centuries ago when Sir Thomas Andrew Knight conducted groundbreaking experiments, employing machines and instruments to manipulate gravity and study its impact on living organisms. Since then, scientists and engineers have tirelessly pushed the boundaries of gravity-related research, leading to remarkable advancements in technologies such as hypergravity instruments, vehicles, and the random positioning machine (RPM). These pioneering innovations have provided valuable insights into the complex relationship between gravity and the objects within our universe.At the heart of our understanding lies the fundamental principle that the force of gravity is intricately tied to the masses of two objects and the distance that separates them, as eloquently described by Isaac Newton's law of universal gravitation. This foundational understanding has fueled humanity's unyielding quest to unravel the mysteries of the cosmos. However, it was the groundbreaking work of Albert Einstein in the early 20th century that elevated our understanding of gravity to new heights. Einstein's profound theory of general relativity introduced the concept of gravitational lensing, an awe-inspiring phenomenon wherein gravity bends light as it traverses the vicinity of massive objects. This remarkable effect, known as the gravity lens effect, has been observed and studied, opening up new dimensions of perception and offering fresh perspectives on the very fabric of the universe. While humanity's current grasp on manipulating and controlling gravitational forces within physical aerial space remains elusive, we have harnessed the power of simulation technology to emulate and explore the intricate phenomena of gravity. Through the creation of hypergravity and microgravity environments in the vast expanse of three-dimensional space, simulation technology serves as an invaluable platform for scientific inquiry and artistic expression alike. In "Newtonic," Sumi masterfully encapsulates this scientific understanding and transforms it into an awe-inspiring artistic vision. Through the medium of 3D simulation animation, Sumi envisions an intricately choreographed aerial space, where the magnitude and location of gravity dynamically shift, exerting its influence on the motion and interaction of multiple objects. The artwork serves as a testament not only to the delicate equilibrium between mass and gravity but also integrates elements inspired by the captivating gravity lens effect. Within the realm of "Newtonic," viewers are treated to a mesmerizing portrayal of metal-like fabric’s path bending and warping in the presence of gravity in space, evoking a profound sense of wonder and curiosity. As a remarkable fusion of science and art, "Newtonic" exemplifies the immense value that science fiction can bring to our reality. While the complete mastery of gravity in aerial space may still be a distant aspiration, Sumi's artwork serves as a poignant reminder of the remarkable progress we have achieved thus far and the boundless potential for future scientific breakthroughs. By seamlessly merging the realms of science and art, "Newtonic" invites us to contemplate the profound impact that scientific advancements and creative expressions can have on shaping our understanding of the vast universe we inhabit and our place within it.