Prof. Laura Baudis x Andrea Mettler: Dark Matter

Dark matter is one of the greatest mysteries of the universe — a substance that neither emits nor absorbs light, yet exerts a gravitational force that shapes the cosmos. It acts as the invisible glue holding galaxies and larger cosmic structures together. Though it makes up about 85% of all matter in the universe, its true nature remains unknown.

The leading theory suggests that dark matter consists of new, yet-undiscovered elementary particles formed during the Big Bang. These particles have mass but interact only extremely rarely with ordinary matter. To detect them, scientists build ever more sensitive and massive detectors, often located deep underground to shield them from cosmic rays. They look for the faintest signals — tiny flashes of light or bursts of charge — produced when a dark matter particle collides with an atom. At the University of Zurich, researchers work on an experiment containing nearly 10 tonnes of ultra-pure liquid xenon, cooled to -100 °C. Their aim is to capture those fleeting, rare interactions between xenon atoms and dark matter particles — to shed light on what is otherwise invisible.

This interplay between visibility and invisibility also finds a parallel in the world of graphic design. White space — the “empty” areas around and between visual elements — is just as meaningful as what is seen. Like dark matter, this unnoticed space gives structure, contrast, and depth to what surrounds it.

This concept inspires the design of a unique pullover: a visual metaphor for the search for dark matter. By drawing attention to the subtle spaces between letters, the design brings forward a powerful message — “WE LONG TO SEE / WHAT CANNOT BE SEEN”.

These words emerge through an abstract pattern, woven with threads that sparkle and shimmer, both enigmatic and elusive. The message is split between the chest and the back of the garment, creating a dialogue between presence and absence, between what is revealed and what is concealed.

This pullover, like the scientific quest it represents, is shaped by what escapes perception. It is a tribute to our enduring desire to understand the invisible forces that govern the universe — and to see the unseen.

Prof. Laura Baudis – Professor of Experimental Physics (Astroparticle Physics) at the Physics Institute of the University of Zurich
Andrea Mettler – Studio for Visual Communication and Graphic Design

Produced by MRC knitwear in Italy with Biella Yarn.