In Superposition (exhibition)

In superposition was an exhibition of work from a project that brings together ideas on photography, performance and observation. In quantum physics, the term ‘superposition’ describes an object when its status is unknown and all possible positions coexist. This potential of multiple states collapses into a single state at the point the object is detected or observed. In this piece, Paul Bevan explores the notion of the body as an object/ image in superposition. This piece comes from a larger series where Bevan has referenced the double-slit experiment used to observe light as both wave and particle, and a large number of photographic images (including these two) are projected through a double-slit structure. Not only does each image represent a notional collapse of his own superposition in time and place in a performed event for the camera, but a further collapse of this status occurs in the moment each image is viewed. In the act of observation, the notional superposition of the viewer also collapses into the present; their presence is confirmed by the displacement one image by the image of their shadow. In this way, the work attempts to create unified experiences between artist and observer in a momentary collapse of superposition. ‘Projected image’ is projected onto ‘Printed image’ across the corridor. As viewers pass between projector and image, the projected image is blocked; the figure in the projection is lost and instead a shadow of the viewer falls onto the printed image (depending on ambient light levels)