Lighting up the art scene

Quantum is a laser-light installation describing the notion of entanglement. - Credit: Marina Bay Sands

AMONG the exhibits on display at All Possible Paths: Richard Feynman’s Curious Life at the ArtScience Museum in Marina Bay Sands, Singapore, is Quantum by Malaysian architect and artist Jun Ong.

The art installation was commissioned by the ArtScience Museum and the Centre for Quantum Technologies (CQT) at the National University of Singapore (NUS).

Quantum is the result of a marriage between one of the scientific concepts that Feynman worked on – quantum computing – and artistic representation.

Here, Ong answers BRATs participant Wong Sook Wei’s questions on his Quantum art installation.

Ong is a Malaysian architect and artist whose installation Quantum is one of the exhibits on display at the All Possible Paths exhibition.

1. Many of your art installations feature unusual arrangements of artificial lights. When did your fascination with light begin?

It started when I was studying in Europe. I remember visiting Tate Modern for the very first time and stumbling upon Dan Flavin’s seminal artwork, which used a single fluorescent tube tilted at 45 degrees – completely changing the way we perceive household light fittings. I later had a short stint with British light designer Tom Dixon in London.

2. Was there anything in particular that you wanted to achieve with Quantum?

I was very inspired during my visit to the CQT at the NUS, where the team spent a day with me, showing me the ins and outs of quantum computing. Quantum is a laser-light installation describing the notion of entanglement – a phenomenon pivotal in the process of quantum computers. I wanted to translate that process into a spatial and atmospheric work, which also brought me out of my usual medium of LED light fittings. 

3. Who or what serves as your biggest influence and inspiration for Quantum?

It has to be Richard Feynman. The process of conceptualising this piece was exciting and eye-opening. I had to venture deep into his brilliant mind and thinking.

4. What did you enjoy the most while creating Quantum?

I enjoyed the process of playing with laser lights and fog while creating Quantum. Both are new mediums in my artistry, but I wanted to apply my take on them and further my experimentation with geometries, space and illumination. A lot of calculation and precision were required to execute this kinetic piece. 

5. What was the most challenging part of creating Quantum?

In the piece, there are three motors distorting each laser path into various geometrical forms – plenty of precision and accuracy were needed to make sure the paths are contained within the mirrors. Safety was also important in making sure the laser light stays within the safety zone.

6. How have your skills as an architect helped you during the creation of Quantum?

I understand space, structure and construction as an architect – hence, I’d like to treat my artwork the same. I always imagine how my artwork interacts with its context and also how people would connect with it.

7. Do you have any architects or artists whom you look up to?

A lot of my work today is inspired by my thesis on the sculptural collages of Pablo Picasso. I’m also a big fan of artists such as Donald Judd, Arik Levy and architects Elizabeth Diller and Ricardo Scofidio.

8. Do you have any words of advice or encouragement for Malaysians aspiring to enter the art scene?

Experiment with ideas and materials. Malaysia has an abundance of resources and skill sets. Take your own initiative to create your own art projects, collaborate and be bold!