DUALITY – an artistic exploration of quantum science
Visit DUALITY—an exhibition showcasing entries to the 2023–24 EQUS Quantum Art Competition—to explore quantum science through an artistic lens.
When: 16–20 May 2024 (10 am–6 pm 16–17 May; 10 am–4 pm 18–20 May)
Where: Flow Studios, 57 Denison St, Camperdown NSW 2050
Cost: Entry to the exhibition is free; see below for tickets to the opening night
Run by the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Engineered Quantum Systems (EQUS), the 2023 Quantum Art Competition invited artists to explore quantum science through their medium of choice, drawing inspiration from the competition theme, ‘duality’:
At the very heart of quantum mechanics lies a profound and mysterious principle, one that challenges the boundaries of our perception. It’s the idea that every entity, no matter how large or small, has a dual nature—existing simultaneously as both a particle and a wave.
Although it may seem to be a contradiction, it is verifiably true in experiments. It’s a paradox that forms the bedrock of the inner workings of our Universe. And this wave–particle duality is just the tip of the quantum iceberg.
Within the quantum realm, countless other instances of simultaneous existence occur. Quantum entities, from tiny electrons to more complex systems, somehow exist dually in multiple states at the same time, creating a tapestry of possibilities that seem to defy classical logic.
The exhibition is open to the public daily, 16–20 May 2024 (free entry). It includes 39 artworks submitted to the 2023 EQUS Quantum Art Competition, including the winner, runner-up, finalists and highly commended works.
There will be interactive art activities for kids on 18 & 19 May (see below). Contact comms@equs.org for more information or if you have any questions.
Public talk
Physicist, science communicator and children’s book author A/Prof. Chris Ferrie talks about the intersection of art and science!
Date: Tuesday 14 May 2024
Time: 6:30–8:00 pm
Location: Messel Lecture Theatre (4002), Sydney Nanoscience Hub (A31), Physics Road, The University of Sydney, Camperdown NSW 2050
Cost: free, optional donation to DeadlyScience
This event is Auslan-interpreted.
Title: The Beholder’s Quantum Share
The art theory concept of the “beholder’s share” suggests that the viewer of an artwork contributes their unique personal memories, emotions and cultural context to complete the piece. The subjective experience of art does not exist without the perception of a beholder. Quantum physics takes this one step further and demonstrates that the physical manifestation of art does not exist without an observer. There is no observer-independent objective reality. You are not the architects of reality, but your observational interactions bring about its final completion—your beholder’s “quantum” share.
Chris Ferrie is a theoretical physicist, science communicator, author, father of four and happy husband. His day job is academic research, where he follows his curiosity through the word of quantum physics. His passion for communicating science has led from the most esoteric topics of mathematical physics to more recently writing children's books.
During the day you will find Chris as an associate professor at the University of Technology Sydney and Centre for Quantum Software and Information, and an Associate Investigator at the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Engineered Quantum Systems (EQUS). His research interests include quantum estimation and control, and, in particular, the use of machine learning to solve statistical problems in quantum information science. He obtained his PhD in applied mathematics from the Institute for Quantum Computing and University of Waterloo (Canada) in 2012.
Opening night
Enjoy the artworks, meet the artists and chat to scientists!
Date: Thursday 16 May 2024
Time: 6:30–9:00 pm
Location: Flow Studios, 8 Dennison St, Camperdown NSW 2050
Cost: free, recommended $20 donation to DeadlyScience
Light refreshments (drinks and canapés, including vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options) will be available for attendees, free of charge.
Several of the artists, as well as scientists and science communicators, will be in attendance on the night to answer any questions you may have. You may also vote for your favourite artwork for the People’s Choice Prize!
Family art workshops
Bring the whole family to check out the exhibition! To inspire the next generation of scientists and artists, we’re offering two art workshops for kids to explore art and science.
Location: Flow Studios, 8 Dennison St, Camperdown NSW 2050
Cost: free
Workshop 1:
Saturday 18 May 2024
2:00 pm–4:00 pm
Workshop 2:
Sunday 19 May 2024
10:00 am–12:00 pm
No need to register or get tickets—these are drop-in sessions where scientists and science communicators will be around to help out with the activities and answer your science questions.
Activities will include:
- Visualising sound
- Badge-making
- Colouring-in activities
- Scavenger hunt (available outside workshop hours)
(Activities other than the scavenger hunt may be available outside workshop hours, depending on the availability of our scientists and science communicators.)
Major funding support
The Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Engineered Quantum Systems (EQUS) acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and to Elders past and present.