Lothar Daniel Wiessmann

Over the past 100 years, quantum physics has drastically changed our understanding of reality, however, many attitudes from the previous epoch of classical, Newtonian physics remain deeply ingrained in our psyche and world view. Quantum Disruptions highlights the prevalence of the Newtonian stance and offers an alternative that is based on recent facts of science.

The outcomes of this project include: 

• A three-minute video introducing the theories the project is based on.
• Printed augmented reality (AR) posters to be used with Instagram filters to ‘come to life.’
• Three additional Instagram face filters that communicate certain aspects of quantum physics in a playful and accessible way
• A website providing in-depth information about the project, including a bibliography and research documentation

Certain Newtonian attitudes continue to dominate our lives even though they are outdated and entail potential negative consequences. Hundreds of years of Newtonianism have hard-wired us to believe that nature and the world are something to not only be understood but something that must be conquered, ruled, exploited and domineered. According to Newtoniansim, Humans aren’t part of nature, but positioned between nature and the divine.

AR Posters were installed across East London. The viewer is invited to scan the provided QR Code on the poster and is immediately directed to an Instagram filter. Once the whole poster is captured by the camera view, 3D objects are embedded into the ‘real’ world of the screen. The objects remain in the same position and can be explored from all angles. The typographically-led design of the posters is a nod to quantum field theory and is based on the idea of various dimensions and elementary shapes interacting with each other.

Quantum Physics reveals the nature of matter is the undoing of identity, the questioning and trying of other possibilities. Humans are entangled with nature and an inseparable part of it.Some theorists see links between the climate crisis, our treatment of the environment, colonialism and the domineering spread of Newtonianism over the past few centuries. Quantum physics highlights the proximity of ethics to science and demands a more value-sensitive way of being.

Each Instagram filter communicates a different aspect of quantum physics: ‘Virtuality’ is inspired by theorist and physicist Dr Karen Barad. In her book ‘Meeting The Universe Halfway’ and essay ‘Transmaterialities - Trans*/Matter/Realities and Queer Political Imaginings’, Barad explored the ‘inexhaustible exploration[s] of virtuality’ performed by virtual particles. The second filter, ‘Diffractions’, highlights how particles refuse the linearity of time and can ‘jump’ between the past, present and future. ‘Newtonian VS Quantum’ compares Newtonian Physics with Quantum Physics in an interactive, playful and educational way.

The moving image collage is created from old archive materials, recent NASA footage and 3D objects. It contains some of the scientific themes that informed this project and highlights the social, philosophical, and ethical implications of quantum physics. 

This project contrasts quantum physics and Newtonian physics. It aims to make a dense area of research fun and engaging, whilst offering access to the field of quantum physics in various ways that range from playful activities to in-depth explorations. The website provides an addition level of depth by articulating the ideas and research behind the project. Viewers are invited to read my research notes, study my bibliography and to get in touch for potential future collaborations.

Select 'Launch Project' to visit the website.