Superposition
Marios Athanasiou
2 April – 2 May 2015
arebyte is pleased to present, Superposition an audio-visual installation examining the different relationships and interactions that converge between online and offline experiences. The work draws on parallels between quantum physics and virtual reality.
In our settled, common world the object is solid, unique and can only exist in one place at a time. In the quantum world however the rules change: an object consists of instances of energy, it dispenses with its identity and becomes part of a common unity. Correspondingly, in the virtual world the object is released from the tyranny of matter and can be distributed along the internet free from the constrains of time. The object becomes part of the Internet Unity.
Superposition refers to a quantum physics phenomenon where a particle can exist in all possible states, as a wave of probability, until it is observed and then collapses into a singular state of existence. The installation establishes a cybernetic system of energy exchange between the physical and the virtual where ENERGY exists on both physical and virtual realms at the same time in a state of superposition.
An acrylic tank filled with green UV reactive liquid is placed inside a black cube. UV lights placed in the cube cause the liquid to emit light so upon entering the cube the visitor perceives the liquid as if it is hovering in space. Transducers placed underneath the tank cause the liquid to vibrate creating harmonic visual patterns on the surface of the water. Water sensors placed inside the tank register the ripples created by the transducers and translate the information into computer code that in turn creates virtual waves in a virtual water tank that can be accessed at www.superposition.xyz. The virtual waves from the virtual water tank are then translated into sound that cause the liquid to vibrate through the transducers thus creating a cybernetic feedback loop of energy in a constant flux of transformation.
The energy exists on both realms but in different states; it exists in the physical world as a unique object in the gallery space and in the virtual world as code on a web browser where it is distributed and can be experienced anywhere and anytime. - Energy in a state of superposition.
Marios’ work explores the effects of real-time processing technologies and communications on human perception of reality and the role these technologies play in the convergence of physical and virtual reality into a new, hybrid reality. In his work he uses software, sensors, projections and networked systems in conjunction with abstract sculptural forms to build immersive, physical or virtual audiovisual environments that aim to induce different states of consciousness and generate new modes of thinking and perceiving.
Recent works include Omega Point at MKII; Potential Entity at a Telstra International, a disused data storage and telecommunications center; Blue Omega at I Thought You Were The Real Thing group show at Romantzo in Athens. He is also the curator at www.channelnormal.com, an online exhibition space that predominantly focuses on presenting time-based and web-based works.
Project is made with support from Arts Council England, Legacy List and Arbeit Project Ltd.