The inspiration for this work was reading about string theory — the idea that particles could be vibrating one-dimensional strings or loops, and they only look like particles when you zoom out to larger distances. Empty space may actually be made up of quantum foam — virtual particles and anti-particles that spontaneously appear and then destroy each other. When you zoom out further, these clouds of particles look like solid objects.
I wanted to produce a work that you could appreciate at different scales. The large scale of outer space (based on the Triffid Nebula). Looking closer, you see this is made up of various shapes and patterns with spaces between them. Looking closer still you see these shapes are formed of loops, which have interior spaces.
In addition, within the shapes, the word 'SPACE' is represented or encoded in various ways:
straight text
binary
semaphore
morse
dorabella cipher
sheikah text (from Zelda)
Ikoharic text (from D&D)
standard galactic alphabet (from Commander Keen)
pigpen cipher
Mourier alphabet