TICKET LINK
'Infinite Lives, Infinite Stories' is a 2-day popup interactive art installation presented by the Multiverse Collective at ADX Portland. Atomic Age aesthetic meets modern day nostalgia in this thought-provoking show. Guests can expect the unexpected as they journey through the gallery, obtain their keys, and unlock unique storylines in the Observational Hub (the Void). This intercosmic roadshow will teach participants how to harness their emotions to span connections across dimensions, but for two nights only. Background in Quantum Mechanics not required.
Open from 5-9:30pm on May 30th and 31st, timed tickets can be purchased in advance from the website. Hosted bar, 18+ event. Behind the Scenes : Conception
'Infinite Lives, Infinite Stories' is a continuation of 'A Modern Allegory of a Cave' (Barcelona, 2024) & 'Solarium' (Portland, 2023), interactive art pieces by interdisciplinary artist, James Knudsen. Infinite Lives extends Plato's Allegory of the Cave for the AI era by drawing parallels between the probabilistic nature of quantum physics and modern machine learning algorithms. As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly ubiquitous, Infinite Lives poses questions like:
How do we trust what we see is reality?
What is the power of our authentic connections to others (and ourselves)?
How is existence rendered through our interaction with it?
In crafting this interactive show, James explores themes of escapism and surveillance/voyeurism through scientific curiosity and artistic expression. The Multiverse Collective, in the process of harnessing emotional energy, tailors their roadshow to the interplay between grief and nostalgia -- two of the most powerful, complicated, and highly resonant feelings. In the narrative, emotional energy is used to tie our current experiences to other multiverses, and thus alternate realities. The central motif of Infinite Lives is the use of vintage technology, specifically CRT TVs as portals, exposing what lies beyond as a method of palatable consumption. In doing the show, James hopes guest will leave with new points of reference for community oriented public art experiences.
Behind the Scenes : Featured Artists/The Multiverse Collective
Within the context of the allegory, the Multiverse Collective (MC) represents the individuals in charge of producing reality for show guests. In our timeline, the MC is represented by various visual and interactive artists primarily from Portland, but also from California, Germany, and India. The show contains approximately 20 installations from over 15 artists and community members. Contributions include but are not limited to textile art, sculpture, and mixed-media collage.
Among the artists, several members of the Multiverse Collective also play interactive characters within the show. The actors are responsible for both maintaining the functionality of the technology, enhancing show narrative, and helping participants look deeper within themselves. Led by the resurrected Schrödinger's cat, the MC uses their advanced understanding of quantum mechanics to build links of interconnected multiverses - calling into question the meaning of omniscience and the role of god in the multiverse. On Consumption: The production of a large event such as this relies on significant consumption of resources, energy, and time. While the vast majority of the props and technology used in the show are secondhand, many are not. James aims to have all feasible materials used in the show given a new life for low or no cost. Please contact James if you are interested in any pieces.