The art of science

The Department of Physics is partnering with the University of Nottingham's ARTlab to host artist-in-resident Matthew Woodham as he works on an original art piece inspired by the Atom Interferometry Observatory and Network (AION) project. Woodham’s work will be on display at next year’s Cosmic Titans exhibition at the Djanogly Gallery in Nottingham; the exhibition is being curated by Dr Ulrike Kuchner (University of Nottingham, ARTlab) and Neil Walker (Lakeside Arts) together with Professor Silke Weinfurtner (University of Nottingham, ARTlab).

Cosmic Titans will comprise a series of artworks, workshops, public talks and discussions, all geared to increase public awareness and highlight the significance of quantum technology to drive fundamental physics research. It will be inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the wonders of science and art and will serve to highlight real-world applications that could bring about a step-change for solving global challenges.

To inform his work, Woodham came to Oxford to immerse himself in the AION laboratories in the Department of Physics last month. AION is part of the Quantum Technologies for Fundamental Physics programme – itself part of the UK National Quantum Technologies Programme – and uses laser-cooled, ultracold atoms to perform interferometry. These atom interferometers will be used to both detect gravitational waves and investigate ultra-light dark matter candidates. Combining his background in neuroscience with his on-site research at AION, Woodham will examine how deliberation and decision-making can be an embodied experience of quantum superposition and indeterminacy. He will invite the audience to explore a speculative, interactive art installation blending physics laboratory mechanisms and organic forms.

Dr Thomas Hird, senior researcher on AION, hosted Woodham at the Department of Physics: ‘It was great to have Matthew come to Oxford in person after lots of discussions. He toured our laser and particle physics detector laboratories for inspiration and discussed the intricacies of the AION project with Professor Ian Shipsey and Professor Chris Foot among others. While art and science are traditionally perceived as operating very differently, art-science collaborations are both cross-pollinators of disciplines and crucial for engagement and communication with the public; I am always keen to explore different ways of communicating our science and Cosmic Titans is a really exciting opportunity to share our work in quantum technologies with a wider audience.

‘We are about to start on the construction of the next stage of the project: AION-10, a 10-metre vertical atom interferometer in the Beecroft Building at the Department of Physics. This will be a major milestone for the project; it will not only be a groundbreaking scientific instrument but also a remarkable piece of art in its own right. Cosmic Titans blends art, quantum technologies and fundamental physics, showcasing the inherent beauty in all these disciplines, and we are delighted to be supporting Matthew.’

The central theme of Cosmic Titans revolves around the concept of blind ways of seeing, where the physics of the universe and black holes stand as poignant examples. These subjects share the commonality that they are inherently unobservable — either too small, vast, or distant to experience directly. In both science and art, we find avenues to transcend our limited perception envelope. Ingenious inferences and deductions enable us to perceive beyond our immediate senses, allowing us to envision realities that, while invisible to our eyes, bring us closer to understanding the intricacies of the cosmos. Spectators will engage with profound scientific and philosophical challenges, exploring the origins of the universe and technological advances made possible by quantum technology and they will navigate through a realm of scientific thinking, methods, and workspaces.

Cosmic Titans will run from 25 January to 27 April 2025 at the Djanogly Gallery, Nottingham.