Superposition
This Sculpture was made as part of the Quantum Dialogues Project, a collaboration between QuantumArc and St Andrews University.
The process of collaboration was a key element of this project. The final form for the sculpture came about through an in-depth discussion with Quantum Physicist, researcher and collaborator, Siri Berge. Siri specialises in using scanning tunneling microscopy to capture images of metal and other materials at an atomic scale. These images show defects, or disturbances within the metal. Siri then analyses these images to test for properties of superconductivity.
This sculpture is a collage of the lattice-like structure of metal with suggestions of the imperfections and ripples as detected on Siri’s images (See blue images). The influence from the material is combined with visual representation of the scientific analysis Siri does on the data from these images (See red image image).
The exaggerated scale that Ru has chosen to emphasize contradicts with the precision of the process Siri engages with. The traditional methods Ru has focused on, coupled with the heavy industrial feel of the piece further contrasts the delicate, meticulous work currently being carried out at the cutting edge of research in universities today.
The sculpture celebrates where we’ve been, our history with metal as a material, and marvels at where we’re going as our understanding of reality develops and new opportunities for advancement and growth unfold.
This project facilitates the possibility for the consideration of scale, perspective and the value of working together.