Over the last century, the landscapes in which we move seem to intertwine, branch and gesticulate. Throughout this period, it has been confirmed that the universe, at all scales, is quantum. Reality is described in terms of probabilistic principles, and our way of conceiving the world has been revolutionised. The profound change caused by the theory of relativity and quantum mechanics in the 20th century transcended the boundaries of science, generating an impact on other disciplines and challenging previous certainties. While relativity demonstrated that simultaneity depends on motion, quantum mechanics revealed a world governed by chance.

Visiones cuánticas (Quantum Visions) takes its name from the multiplicity of perspectives from which quantum physics is approached and reflects the fact that the possibilities and contradictions of the universe inspire diverse approaches. The exhibition brings together eleven artists whose works are based on the idea that reality is, to a large extent, arbitrary. In a quantum universe, what seems certain vanishes, and possibility and contradiction become keys to understanding reality.

The exhibition is conceived as a kaleidoscope of perspectives that represent a rethinking of the physical world and extend the quantum debate to the human sciences. Through their works, the artists question the limits of knowledge and propose new ways of understanding reality. In this space of convergence, art and science dialogue about the uncertain and imprecise. Both disciplines use simil and analogy as tools to explore and speculate about the infinite possibilities of the quantum world.

Visiones cuánticas is co-produced with HEK (Haus der Elektronischen Künste) in Basel and MU Hybrid Art House in Eindhoven, cities to which the exhibition will travel after its stay at Tabakalera. Visiones cuánticas has been curated by Mónica Bello, head of the Arts at CERN programme and with the participation of the curators of HEK (Sabine Himmelsbach) and MU (Angelique Spaninks), who have contributed their curatorial vision to the project. The exhibition has been developed in collaboration with the European Center for Nuclear Research (CERN), the Donostia International Physics Center (DIPC) and Tekniker as scientific and technological partners.

Space for dissemination and to make quantum physics more accessible.

An innovative space for the dissemination of information on quantum physics has been created as a prelude to the exhibition. Through an installation consisting of six screens, the public will be able to access educational and reflective content that facilitates an understanding of the fundamental concepts of quantum physics. This proposal seeks to make the complex principles of quantum physics more accessible to the general public, reinforcing Tabakalera’s commitment to the dissemination of knowledge and interaction with diverse audiences. This “mini exhibition” within the show itself will be transferred to Gasteiz and Bilbao, more specifically to Azkuna Zentroa Alhóndiga Bilbao in mid-October.  

The installation is a Tabakalera production in collaboration with the Donostia International Physics Center (DIPC) and with the support of the Department of Science, Universities and Innovation of the Basque Government. DIPC and the creative studio Morgancrea have jointly developed the scientific contents with the design of the Moduz collective, with the participation of scientists and experts in quantum physics such as science popularizer José Luis Crespo (Quantum Fracture) and the writer, doctor in quantum physics and science popularizer Sonia Fernández-Vidal. 

Mediation and dissemination programme with leading experts in art and quantum physics.

In parallel with the exhibition, Tabakalera has designed an extensive public and mediation programme that includes dialogued visits, conferences and round table discussions with artists, scientists and experts in quantum physics, film screenings, and workshops led by the artists participating in the exhibition and various educational activities aimed at all audiences.

Thanks to the strategic collaboration of the Department of Science, Universities and Innovation of the Basque Government, various informative contents and events have been designed (conferences, children’s workshops, etc.) that will be included in scientific dissemination events and programmes, such as NAUKAS, BILBO ZIENTZIA PLAZA and BIDEBARRIETA CIENTÍFICA, as well as in important artistic institutions such as the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao. 

The participants who will take part in this programme include well-known names such as the curator and researcher Jon Uriarte, the educational collective Maushaus, the science communicator Rocío Vidal (La Gata de Schrödinger), the science communicator José Luis Crespo (Quantum Fracture), the director of the DIPC Ricardo Díez Muiño and the philosopher Mijo Lizarzaburu, who, together with other artists, scientists and experts, will enrich the programme with their knowledge and perspectives on quantum physics and its influence on contemporary art.

Coinciding with the arrival of Quantum, the IBM quantum computer, which will be installed in San Sebastian by Ikerbasque, this exhibition and its public programme are part of the Tabakalera contribution to the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology.