Armin Linke
QUANTUM CONDITIONS

For INN SITU the artist photographed at the Institute for Quantum Optics and Quantum Information (IQOQI) of the Austrian Academy of Sciences in Innsbruck, one of the worldwide premier research facilities in this field. At first glance perhaps an odd choice, after all, quantum physical states cannot be captured by photographic processes. But here again, as in previous INN SITU projects, the focus of observation is not on the object itself but on the process leading up to it.

Space as a tool

In his work, the artist-photographer and filmmaker Armin Linke examines the operating system of our culture: the societal rules and technological standards, power relationships and traditions, infrastructures or practical constraints … The imperceptible constitution of a society.
Armin Linke shows us the laboratory as a space for reflection, invention, experimentation, as a research tool. The resulting images dispel the myth of brilliant research with its monstrous equipment and fantastic illustrations of microcosmic universes. Almost imperceptibly, Linke’s photographs create an enlightened anti-aesthetics. Parallel to the undermining of conventional patterns of observation, the formal quality of Armin Linke’s photography and the immersive scenography of the exhibition start to assert themselves against our inner notions of science and its depiction. What do we see instead? Or better: How do we see instead?

The artist would particularly like to thank the following people and institutions for their collaboration and support in realizing this project:

Institute for Quantum Optics and Quantum Information (IQOQI) Innsbruck, Austrian Academy of Sciences
Alpine Quantum Technologies GmbH in Innsbruck
Parity Quantum Computing GmbH in Innsbruck
CERN (European Organization for Nuclear Research) in Geneva
ETH Zurich
Fondazione MAST in Bologna

Artistic direction: Hans-Joachim Gögl
Exhibition management: Indira Uteuova, Verena Wieland
Video documentation: Thomas Osl, STUMMLAUT recording studio
Visitor Service: Angelika Schafferer, Indira Uteuova, Verena Wieland
Exhibition graphics: Studio Mut
Exhibition structure and technology: Jan Bohl, Robert Simmerle
Exhibition architecture: Martina Pozzan
Exhibition design: Martha Schwindling, Martina Pozzan, Alberto Stievanin
Printing, prints: goDigital, Elena Capra
Lamination: Mario Spranger
Video editing: Armin Linke, Martina Pozzan

Armin Linke is represented by the gallery Vistamare Milano / Pescara.

Each of the speakers chooses a photograph from the exhibition and discusses it before and with the audience. An open dialogue between various perspectives and inspired by the exhibition.

© Armin Linke

Armin Linke

(born 1966 in Milan, Italy) is one of the most distinguished artist-photographers of our day. He was guest professor at the IUAV Arts and Design University in Venice and professor of artistic photography at the Karlsruhe University for Arts and Design. Currently he is a guest professor at ISIA Urbino.
His works have been exhibited internationally, most recently at the Centre Pompidou in Paris or at the Museum Folkwang in Essen. Linke won, among other awards, the special prize at the 2004 Venice Biennale of Architecture and received the Kubus.Sparda Art Prize in 2019.

© Lechner Hauser

Wolfgang Lechner and Magdalena Hauser

One of Austria’s most exciting start-ups: Both are co-CEOs of ParityQC, a quantum architecture company in Tyrol. Both are serial entrepreneurs. Along with ParityQC, Wolfgang Lechner also runs a research group that focuses on quantum computing at the University of Innsbruck.
For her activity in the investment field, Magdalena Hauser made the “Forbes 30 under 30” list. In 2021 she was awarded the Austrian distinction “Entrepreneur of the Year” in the field of innovation.

Gerhard Kirchmair

studied physics at the University of Innsbruck. In 2006, he began working at the Institute for Quantum Optics and Quantum Information (IQOQI) in Innsbruck, where he remained until moving to the USA in 2011 to conduct research at Yale University. Today he heads a research group on quantum computing and quantum simulation at the University of Innsbruck and at the IQOQI.