Merging Science, Art, and Philosophy

Julian Voss-Andreae is a visionary sculptor who brilliantly intertwines the realms of quantum physics and art. His journey began with the iconic double-slit experiment, a cornerstone of quantum mechanics that reveals the wave-particle duality of matter. In the late '90s, while pursuing his PhD at the University of Vienna, Voss-Andreae witnessed interference patterns from carbon-60 molecules—an experience that sparked his fascination with how large objects could exhibit wave-like behaviors.

From Lab to Sculpture

Though he joked about sending a person through the double-slit experiment during his lab days, it ultimately led him on a unique artistic path. Now based in Portland, Oregon, Voss-Andreae's sculptures, like his renowned "Quantum Man," embody the duality of existence. Standing at 2.5 meters tall, Quantum Man appears solid from one angle but seemingly disappears when viewed from the side, serving as a physical metaphor for the enigmatic wave-particle duality.

A Mind Inspired by Quantum Mysteries

Voss-Andreae's artistic vision was influenced by Roger Penrose's groundbreaking work, "The Emperor’s New Mind." In it, Penrose posits that consciousness operates on a quantum level, deeply captivating Voss-Andreae. "I was mystified by quantum physics: How can this even be?" he reflects, indicating how this complexity became his guiding force.

From Steel to Quantum Dreams

Growing up in Hamburg, Germany, Voss-Andreae's academic journey took him from studying quantum physics and philosophy in Berlin to Edinburgh. His sculptural career began with protein models, translating intricate molecular structures into stunning steel forms. However, his double-slit experiment musings continued to inspire him, pushing him to find ways to visually represent quantum phenomena in his work.

Pushing Boundaries of Visibility

Voss-Andreae utilizes cleverly positioned steel plates to create sculptures that change depending on the viewer's perspective, effectively making them disappear from certain angles. He has mastered the art of crafting these illusions in his studio, which resembles an engineering lab, employing advanced photogrammetry techniques to capture poses and movements of human subjects for his designs.

The Growing Demand for Quantum Art

With the ability to produce up to 40 sculptures a year, Voss-Andreae's client base has widened beyond the scientific community to embrace diverse private projects. His work resonates with art enthusiasts, with notable projects including a touching sculpture depicting three children for a Mexican father and a memorial piece for a Mongolian family to honor their mother.

A Quantum Philosophy for Modern Times

Despite his success, Voss-Andreae remains dedicated to his quantum philosophy, believing it offers a potential escape from our materialistic worldview. Just as the double-slit experiment illustrates how observation affects reality, he posits that our perceptions of value can change how we interact with the world. "That’s the quantum way of finding new things," he states, encouraging a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of observer and observed.