Libby Heaney / The plural possibilities of quantum
18-11-2022

Libby Heaney / The plural possibilities of quantum

On 18 November at 3pm CET Fabrica presents an online lecture by artist and PhD quantum physicist Libby Heaney.

Heaney will discuss her recent practice that uses immersive installations, performance, humor and surrealism to critically investigate the plural possibilities of quantum. As the first artist to use quantum computing in 2019, her latest works use this tool as a medium and a paradigm through which to explore hybrid, slimy, shapeshifting temporalities as a way to enable queer technological, social, political and ecological change.

Libby Heaney’s artistic practice includes moving images, performances, participatory and interactive experiences that incorporate quantum computing, virtual reality, and artificial intelligence tools. Through humour, affect, surrealism and nonsense, Heaney subverts the capitalist appropriation of technology, the endless categorisations and control of humans and non-humans alike. Instead, Heaney uses tools such as machine learning and quantum computing against their proper use, to undo biases and to forge new expressions of collective identity and belonging with each other and the world.

Heaney has exhibited widely in the UK & internationally including at The Lowry, Manchester; V&A, London & with Sonar & Mutek festivals. Described by The Space as “one of only a handful of artists working with the possibilities created by quantum computing”, Heaney is currently resident at the London institution Somerset House where she is making one of the first major artworks with quantum computing for Berlin’s Light Art Space.

Libby Heaney’s lecture is part of the “Otherworlding” Fabrica residency program curated by Carlos Casas.

Friday 18th Nov 2022 — 15:00 - 16:00