Revising Attitudes to Physical Reality: Quantum Physics and Visual Art

Abstract

In 1935, Neils Bohr concluded that particular features of quantum physics force a 'radical revision' of our attitude to physical reality. Despite the passing of almost 100 years since the formulation of quantum physics, little, if any, revision has been made in our attitude to physical reality. This is because quantum concepts are outside our range of normal engagement and perception. In addition, the explanation of quantum physics is often couched in the language of mathematical formalism. Visual art, however, might assist us to conceive quantum concepts outside the bounds of scientific formalism and to possibly revise our attitude towards physical reality. In this paper, I will discuss some attempts of myself as a visual artist to address the challenge of visually representing quantum concepts and how my work might help towards a radical revision of our attitude towards physical reality.