The Evolution of Ent-: QX By Libby Heaney
Exhibition at arebyte Gallery in London
The Evolution of Ent-: QX (2022) is an exhibition currently on display at the arebyte Gallery in London. It was born as an extension of Ent- (2021–22), a work of art conceived by artist Libby Heaney for Light Art Space (LAS) and exhibited at the Schering Stiftung in Berlin at the beginning of 2022.
Commissioned by Light Art Space. Image: Max Colson
While Ent- investigates the impact of quantum computing through an immersive experience that borrows the enigmatic figurative language of Hieronymus Bosch’s Garden of Earthly Delights (1490–1500), its sequel contains additional works specially commissioned by the gallery. These works bring forward reflections on quantum computing by exploring possible scenarios that can influence the future of humanity and that of Web3.
Space. Image: Max Colson
Libby Heaney is a leading figure in Quantum Art — a niche field in the arts that ties into quantum computing technologies. With a PhD in Quantum Information Sciences and a Masters in Arts and Sciences, she gives life to works that well match the researcher’s interest with the sensitivity of the artist. Drawing inspiration from historical avant-gardes such as Dadaism and Surrealism, she also inserts a dash of humor and nonsense into her works as a means of investigation.
In The Evolution of Ent-: QX, Heaney brings the audience closer to the quantum world through an immersive experience that shows the myopia of our post-digital era. She focuses on some of the possible implications of this new technology, such as the exasperation of surveillance capitalism or mass control, to raise public awareness of still under-discussed issues. In doing so, she also underlines the importance of creating a fertile ground for collaboration between the arts and sciences that can ensure the development of quantum computing in a more controlled environment.
Space. Image: Max Colson
The Evolution of Ent-: QX is set in a fictional start-up QX (Quantum eXperience) and envelops the audience in an atmosphere that goes from excitement to discomfort. The two films that are presented upon entering the QX experience mix hyperbolic propaganda language with attractive images that depict quantum computing in our daily life. Ent- itself is used by the artist as a captivating tool to attract the visitors.
The sense of discovery and wonder is soon interrupted by a scenario reminiscent of hell. Supernatural presences, amorphous shapes, walls covered with slime and quantum glitches break the journey and leave room for disorientation and dismay.
Commissioned by arebyte. Image: Max Colson
The public must juggle the fearful manifestations of quantum technology, metaphorically represented by large tentacles hanging from the walls that symbolize the limbs of visitors crossing the infernal zone (tentacles and custom seating were made in collaboration with Rosie Gibbens). It is an installation that well conveys a warning, namely that of not being carried away by easy enthusiasm as every technology can become a double-edged weapon.
Gallery, London, 2022. Commissioned by arebyte. Image: Max Colson
Like its predecessor, The Evolution of Ent-: QX is not meant to be patronizing, but rather to present a wide range of possible impacts of quantum computing at a macro and micro level.
Heaney points out that the development and deployment of cutting-edge technologies can easily turn into a monopoly in the hands of the very few companies that are developing them — a scenario that can be worrying. If only the logic of profit and corporate interests were followed, there could be serious repercussions for everyone. This is not only because such an agenda would aggravate already existing political, social and cultural problems, but also because nascent environments like that of Web3 could potentially be destroyed.
The Evolution of Ent-: QX , which will close on 20 August 2022, guides us on a sort of reverse Dantesque journey, where the end point could be that of no return.
Art warns us; will we listen?
More about Ent- and the work of Libby Heaney in my article “From NFTs To Quantum Computing” published by Right Click Save.
