Quantum Computational Cartographies

While quantum computing promises revolutionary advances in optimization and simulation, its inner workings remain opaque to most observers. Quantum Computational Cartographies introduces a new visual language designed to reveal – at atomic and subatomic scales – the dynamic processes unfolding inside of a working quantum computer.

Situating this work in the context of the 2025 International Year of Quantum Science and Technology declaration by UNESCO, and against rapidly scaling cloud platforms from Amazon, IBM, Google, and Microsoft, this project asks: how can quantum art-science visualizations empower the general public to understand and form a critical dialogue around quantum computing?

To answer this, I have developed a chronology of analogue and digital techniques – drawing, painting, photograms, screen-printing, lithography, glass sculpture, and ceramics – paired with web archiving, creative coding and generative AI. My visual research culminates as an interactive installation called QATA.LIVE. It invites viewers to experiment with quantum phenomena in a visceral way. The visuals of the installation are built using HY5Live embedded with quantum algorithms generated by an actual quantum computer.

By blending experiential design with scientific inquiry, this thesis demonstrates the power of symbolic visual cartographies to make the invisible mechanics of quantum hardware both comprehensible and consequential.