Honorary Mention
Coexist is the outcome of artistic research on quantum technology by Emergence Delft. By translating key principles like superposition and the measurement problem into a life-size, multidimensional installation, Coexist offers visitors an experience of quantum phenomena.
emergencedelft.nl/nmp3-quantum-art-development
The project, initiated and led by students, brought together people from various fields to discuss the role of quantum technologies in society.
Quantum technology is evolving rapidly, with significant investments from both governments and the private sector. While innovations such as quantum computing hold potential, their societal implications call for careful reflection. How do we, as a society, wish to integrate quantum technologies in our world, and how can we ensure they serve humanity’s best interests?
Photo: Emergence Delft
Photo: Emergence Delft
Emergence Delft artist group. Photo: Emergence Delft
Emergence Delft noticed a gap in public awareness of quantum technology. If we lack familiarity with a technology, how can we meaningfully discuss and shape its future? Coexist bridges the gap by exploring the intersection of art, science, and technology. The installation parallels quantum mechanics with societal structures, making abstract concepts more tangible and insightful.
In quantum mechanics, particles can exist in multiple states simultaneously, a phenomenon known as superposition, but measuring them collapses this state into a single observable outcome. The full nature of the system can only be revealed through repeated measurements. This idea echoes in society: differing viewpoints may seem incompatible, yet each can reveal different facets of a more complex truth.
In Coexist, light passes through a set of polarizing filters, splitting into separate colors. This represents the collapse of quantum superposition into a single observable state and metaphorically illustrates how isolated perspectives lead to incomplete understanding. Through this immersive experience, Coexist invites visitors to reflect on reality’s nature and how knowledge is formed in both science and society.
Credits
Thanks to: Ezra Sanders, Frederique Spruijt, Gijs van der Kerk, Haryn Jeon, Hugo de Jong, Ismail Music, Jor Frencken, Khruthika Kowkuntla, Loïs de Reus, Marcos Merino Francos, Nemo Anderson, Tom Hoevers, Valerie Schulpen, Wouter Schuit, Yasamin Zeinalizadeh
With support from: Delft University of Technology, QuTech, Quantum Delta NL, TNO
Biography
Emergence Delft (NL) was founded in 2023 by students who believed in the power of exploring the intersection of art and technology to reflect on emerging technologies. Coexist was created by the third generation of the student team. By bringing together art and tech students from Delft University of Technology and various art schools, Emergence Delft develops art that benefits from both artistic and technical mindsets and expertise. Our artworks inspire dialogue and invite deeper reflection on the potential opportunities and issues posed by rapid technological progress.
Jury Statement
When you talk to people who start to dive into quantum technology, you often hear: “The more I learn about it, the less I understand.” What is clear: We need to embark on a journey to enhance our understanding, because one thing is clear: This technology is highly relevant and can be highly disruptive, for instance, if quantum computing can offer a computing power that can dwarf the power of supercomputers for certain problems. There are many things to appreciate about the Coexist project. It fosters a unique cooperation that brings together bright minds from universities, the arts, and ecosystem partners — not only to explore and challenge one another but also to deepen our understanding of this new technology. One outcome of the collaboration is this installation. The jury applauds the collaboration and the efforts to make the abstract concepts of quantum technologies more tangible for a broader audience.