The Shape of Time is a free digital art installation by French artist Julien Papo. The concept is that in around 30 minutes you’ll be able to see time from a different perspective. Whilst its tagline stating it will “challenge your understanding of time” is definitely far-fetched, there are interesting and beautiful ideas here. They are also displayed in a hypnotic way.
As you walk down to the exhibition, the water fountains outside allude to the fact you’ll be experiencing time as they spout in sequence together. The exhibition works like a walking simulator in the first person, wandering from exhibit to exhibit. Most of the artwork comes with a panel to read after the initial introductory video introduces you to Papo’s work and ideas. Things start off as framed pictures, then quads of pictures and moving videos to explain what is going on before the cool sculptures and video effects kick in for the second half. Julien treats physical space in time like a video editor time lapse. Each frame is frozen and 3D printed as someone or something completes a motion. Julien then displays like in a long 3D artform like a sculpture or a light display.
The early photos are cool and remind me of impossible geometric shapes. When you reach the sculptures, you can interact with them and watch them time pulse to completion, or reveal each slice manually. The two big set pieces involve watching a 3D-printed martial arts move set come to life with a trail behind it, and a giant skatepark/basketball court field where you can swap out video clips and watch the video 3D print itself across the space. Both are fun for a few minutes and if you are a sensitive soul like me, you’ll muse on the ephemerality of time and motion whilst watching it.
The short nature of all these displays and video clips holds The Shape of Time back from being a must-have experience. They are all quite bitty and whilst interesting, it didn’t challenge my perception of time. I certainly thought about it for a few minutes and then carried on with my evening. There are few digital exhibitions like this published on Steam or like-minded marketplaces so I’m glad it is out there, and as it’s free, there is little to stop you diving in and playing around with it. You’ll be in and out in half an hour – less if it doesn’t capture your imagination – and if all else fails there’s some trippy visuals to enjoy.
Higher Plain Games is part of the Higher Plain Network. If you like what I do, please consider supporting me via Patreon for as little as $1/£1 a month. There are additional perks for supporting me, such as behind-the-scenes content and downloads. You can also share the website or use the affiliate buy now links on reviews. Buying credit from CD Keys using my affiliate link means I get a couple of pence per sale. All your support will enable me to produce better content, more often. Thank you.
