The Quantum Effect

SMAC presents its third exhibition, “The Quantum Effect”, co-curated by Daniel Birnbaum and Jacqui Davies. The exhibition explores spatial and temporal paradoxes within quantum theory — including parallel universes, time travel, teleportation, supersymmetry, and dark matter.

Featuring works by leading contemporary artists, “The Quantum Effect” weaves a cinematic narrative that draws on imagery from science, science fiction, and popular culture. Produced by SMAC in partnership with OGR Torino — a centre for culture and innovation based in a former railway repair building — the exhibition forms part of SMAC’s ongoing programme developed with international institutions and curators.

Birnbaum and Davies combine artworks, scientific experiments, quantum equations, and science fiction to create a ‘quantum effect’ across 1,000 sq m of exhibition space. The curation takes inspiration from Raymond Roussel’s 1914 novel Locus Solus, with its description of miraculous tableaux vivants unfolding within a glass structure.

Reflecting quantum realities, the exhibition opens up new creative possibilities where objects and ideas can coexist in multiple states. Alongside works by Dara Birnbaum, Isa Genzken, Ilya Khrzhanovskiy, Jeff Koons, John McCracken, Mark Leckey, and Marcel Duchamp/Man Ray, it includes curator-made “entangled” cinematic collages and Science Fiction, an alternative quantum timeline that questions linear time and the nature of reality.