Why is the quantum world so hard to picture —could artists help us imagine it?
The Quantum world doesn’t behave like the world we experience every day.
In our daily lives, things seem definite — a light is either on or off. But in the quantum world, particles can exist in multiple states at once. A qubit — the basic unit of quantum computing — can be both “on” and “off” at the same time until it is measured.
So how do you draw, paint, sculpt, or photograph that?
Quantum physics can describe these ideas with precise mathematics, but they are difficult to turn into images we can easily understand. Visualizing them using everyday thinking is like trying to imagine a color you’ve never seen.
Can you help bridge that gap? — creating ways to see and feel ideas that are otherwise invisible.
Juried – Free to enter – 18 years of age or older and US citizen
• Up to 2 submissions per artist-upload to this Google Form
• Include an artist statement and biography (150 words each maximum)
• Size limit: 42 inches x 42 inches maximum
• Weight limit: under 50 pounds
• Signed waiver required-upon drop off on August 28
Important Dates
· Artwork submitted into google form: July 14 Midnight CT
· Notified artist: August 10
If Selected
· Artwork Drop-off Fermilab Wilson Hall 2nd floor : August 28, 2026 8am-11am
· Artwork Pick-up Fermilab Wilson Hall 2nd floor : Dec 1, 2026 8am-11am
· On Display – Sept 1-Nov 30 – open M-F 7am-5pm
· Reception – Thursday Sept 10 3:30-5pm
Note: A Real ID is required to enter Fermilab
Please feel free to forward this onto colleagues that might be interested.
REAL ID or passport required to enter Fermilab
Georgia Schwender
Questions email art@fnal.gov