Birnbaum and Davies combine artworks, scientific experiments, quantum mechanical equations, and science fiction to create a total quantum effect across 1,000 sq m of exhibition space. The curation draws conceptually on Raymond Roussel’s seminal 1914 novel Locus Solus with its account of eight miraculous tableaux vivants taking place in a glass architecture. Taking a cue from quantum realities, the exhibition signals new creative possibilities where objects and roles can be both one thing and seemingly incompatible others. Besides works by artists such as Dara Birnbaum, Isa Genzken, Jeff Koons, Mark Leckey, and Marcel Duchamp/Man Ray, The Quantum Effect displays curator-made elements - “entangled” cinematic collages of puzzling glimpses from the world of quantum theory and computing, as well as “Science Fiction”, an alternative quantum timeline that, true to the show’s theme, questions the notion of linear time and the nature of reality.

SMAC’s exhibition space is comprised of 16 galleries, arranged along a continuous corridor that stretches over 80m. The Quantum Effect will centre around Isa Genzken’s mirror room Oil VII (2007). From this central point, the exhibition unfolds symmetrically, with galleries to the left and right experienced as parallel states, as if the show is happening simultaneously in multiple realities. It will in effect become possible for viewers to live in one of many possible worlds as they progress through the exhibition’s “supersymmetrical” layout.

Daniel Birnbaum is a curator and writer based in London. He was the director of Moderna Museet in Stockholm and curator of the 2009 Venice Biennale. He is currently professor of philosophy at the Städelschule in Frankfurt.

Jacqui Davies is an award-winning producer and curator, working at the intersection of art and cinema, and director of the production company Primitive Film, London. She has produced over 80 films and curated across art and cinema, site-specific commissions, stage and television.

Since 2023, Birnbaum and Davies have developed a unique collaborative practice. Their trans-disciplinary methodologies of exhibition production juxtapose historical materials with artworks and elements from cinema, literature, music, science and cutting-edge digital experimentation, including immersive technologies and mixed realities. Presented in a wide variety of institutional contexts, their projects have explored all forms of artistic production, dissemination, and transmission, both ancient and contemporary.

The Quantum Effect is co-curated by Daniel Birnbaum & Jacqui Davies and produced by SMAC and OGR Torino

OGR Torino is a unique cultural and technological innovation hub dedicated to experimentation across disciplines and dialogue between arts and emerging technologies. Former late 19th century train repair workshops, now an industrial archaeological heritage site, it stands in the heart of Turin on area of 35,000 square metres to activate new horizons for collaboration, creativity and conviviality. Since 2017, OGR Torino has welcomed visitors with contemporary art exhibitions, major concerts, and opportunities to engage deeply and explore contemporary culture from multiple perspectives. To date, it has commissioned and produced solo exhibitions and site-specific projects by world-renowned artists and performers, such as William Kentridge, Tino Seghal, Susan Hiller, Mike Nelson, Monica Bonvicini, Arthur Jafa, Sarah Sze, Cyprien Gaillard, as well as music shows and DJ set by Kraftwerk, Alva Noto, New Orders, Pixies, Interpol, Robert Plant, Godspeed You! Black Emperor, Grant Marshall aka Daddy G, among many others.