Dreaming quantum futures


What futures are possible when quantum physics and the unconscious come together?

On 18 November 2022, Living in a Quantum State hosted a conversation between visionary artist, Suzanne Treister and theoretical physicist, Alessandra Gnecchi, to explore the relationship between quantum physics, emerging quantum technologies, alternative belief systems and potential futures for earthly and interplanetary life. The conversation was chaired by pioneering quantum computing artist and Somerset House Studios resident, Libby Heaney. Drawings from Scientific Dreaming, a sci-fi project by Suzanne Treister with scientists from CERN were presented, for the first time in the UK.

Dreaming Quantum Futures is part of a conversation series curated by Lucy Rose Sollitt on behalf of the Goethe Institut's Living in a Quantum State programme and took place in partnership with Somerset House Studios. Scientific Dreaming was developed with the support of Arts at CERN.

  • Goethe-Institut | Photo: Pau Ros (c) Goethe-Institut | Photo: Pau Ros
    Goethe-Institut | Photo: Pau Ros
  • Goethe-Institut | Photo: Pau Ros (c) Goethe-Institut | Photo: Pau Ros
    Goethe-Institut | Photo: Pau Ros
  • Goethe-Institut | Photo: Pau Ros (c) Goethe-Institut | Photo: Pau Ros
    Goethe-Institut | Photo: Pau Ros
  • Goethe-Institut | Photo: Pau Ros (c) Goethe-Institut | Photo: Pau Ros
    Goethe-Institut | Photo: Pau Ros
  • Goethe-Institut | Photo: Pau Ros (c) Goethe-Institut | Photo: Pau Ros
    Goethe-Institut | Photo: Pau Ros
  • Goethe-Institut | Photo: Pau Ros (c) Goethe-Institut | Photo: Pau Ros
    Goethe-Institut | Photo: Pau Ros

About the speakers

Suzanne Treister © Claudia Marcelloni, CERN Suzanne Treister has been a pioneer in the new media field from the early 1990s, making work about emerging technologies, developing avatars and fictional worlds. The relationship between new technologies, society, alternative belief systems and the potential futures of humanity constitutes an ongoing focus of her work.

Alessandra Gnecchi © Alessandra Gnecchi

Alessandra Gnecchi
 is a Theoretical Physicist working in the field of High Energy Physics and Supersymmetry. She is using black holes as a theoretical laboratory to investigate properties of quantum gravity and deepen our understanding of the Universe.

Libby Heaney © Andrea Rossetti

Libby Heaney
 is widely known as the first artist to work with quantum computing and art. Her practice uses humour, affect, surrealism and nonsense to subvert the capitalist appropriation of technology, the endless categorisations and control of humans and non-humans alike. Heaney has exhibited widely in the UK & internationally including solo shows at Light Art Space, Berlin; arebyte, London and Fiumano Clase, London.


In partnership with Somerset House Studios

 

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