Totem: Pause for Reflection

The number 11 has a special meaning in the Totem Series.

It’s a blend of its mathematical significance and what it represents visually.

The number 11 (strictly in a visual sense) serves as a visual puzzle where the two ones and the space between symbolize the interaction between figure and ground.

Conceptually, figure and ground represent the threshold between the tangible and the transcendent.

Further, the ones in ’11’ represent knowledge and intellect, the conditions of ‘the everyday mind,’ where form, definition, reason, and logic are the main pillars of human experience.

However, the space between the ones alludes to the formless, which acts as a gateway beyond conventional thought, encouraging us to contemplate the metaphysical nature of existence.

The Totem is the conceptual middle, where its overall presentation inside the number ’11’ signifies the relationship of duality and unity, the visible framing the invisible, giving us a gateway to transcend conventional thought. This illustrates a significant shift in awareness that the Totem Series intends to reveal.

11 is also significant in a mathematical sense as it is integral to formulations of higher-dimensional space-time. Superstring theory describes all elementary particles in the universe as one-dimensional filaments of energy known as strings. How the strings move determines what type of particle they are. This mathematical model shows that strings move in nine dimensions of space and one dimension of time for a total of 10 dimensions.

The trouble here is there are five variants of Superstring theory that look very different from another and can be contradictory in places—making Superstring Theory incomplete.

To help fix this problem, M-Theory proposes an 11th dimension that neatly unifies all the Superstring variants, offering a viable mathematical ‘Theory of Everything’ where general relativity and quantum mechanics unite. The only issue at this point is that M-Theory lacks experimental evidence to help it move beyond its equations.

Thankfully, this is where the Totem Art Series comes in. It shows us the two sides of the greater universe, where form (evidence-based reality/mathematical models) and the formless (metaphysical/spiritual) are two sides of the same coin.

All in all, the Totem is the conceptual device that prompts this contemplation, giving us a transformative journey through which we can deepen our appreciation for the multifaceted tapestry of existence.

Which can be a bit of a rabbit hole to go down.