Quantum Blob

The quantum vacuum, in contrast to its classical counterpart, is not an empty void but a dynamic and energetic field teeming with ephemeral phenomena. Quantum fluctuations continuously generate virtual particle-antiparticle pairs—elementary entities that momentarily emerge from the fabric of space-time before annihilating. This state of constant emergence and dissolution positions the quantum vacuum as the lowest energy state of the universe, a vast sea of potentiality. A compelling analogy is that of a glass of champagne, where bubbles continuously form and vanish, mirroring the ceaseless activity within this fundamental substratum.

In collaboration with the Quantum Communication, Teleportation, and Encryption Laboratory at the National University of Australia, De Wilde engaged with this quantum vacuum, rendering its stochastic fluctuations into tangible artistic forms. Utilizing a tabletop experiment involving entangled laser systems, quantum noise was extracted and transformed into sequences of true random numbers. These numerical outputs were then channeled into bespoke 3D modeling software, generating unique sculptural forms—an aesthetic articulation of the imperceptible dimensions of reality.

These quantum-encrypted sculptures stand as both artistic and conceptual manifestations of fundamental physics, merging contemporary aesthetics with cutting-edge scientific inquiry. A scholarly paper authored by De Wilde further explores this intersection (detailed below). While this particular series was realized in 2019, the foundational research and iterative development trace back significantly further.

Publication

Experiencing the Unconventional: Science in Art
World Scientific Publishing Co. (February 9, 2015)
Chapter by Frederik De Wilde: “Hacking the Universe”

This volume introduces art projects emerging from experimental and interdisciplinary explorations, where unconventional methodologies foster novel sensorial experiences. Through electronic and digital media, bioart, sculpture, installation, sound, and performance, the contributing artists dismantle boundaries between the natural and the artificial, the real and the imaginary, science and culture. Rather than being curated by formal aesthetic similarities, the works presented are united by investigative artistic research. The book offers in-depth insights into contemporary creative practices that operate at the nexus of art, science, and technology, emphasizing their spatial and experiential dimensions.

Readership: Artists and scientists interested in cross-disciplinary practice.
ISBN-10: 9814656852

Note: The sculptures in this series can be produced in a variety of materials—including but not limited to copper, nickel, chrome, silver, and gold—each edition inherently limited by its material choice. Additionally, the works may incorporate embedded light elements, enhancing their perceptual and immersive qualities.