Classical mechanics appeared way before Quantum mechanics because it was way easier to observe the behavior of relatively big objects, such as galaxies, planets, stars and, than it is to study the smaller things within the universe such as electrons, protons and atoms. Unlike classical mechanics, which restricts itself mostly with Newtonian laws, Quantum mechanics will never stop taking unexpected turns so that we have to come up with new theories in order to explain the unusual conduct of the small objects of our universe. Most of the time, some Newtonian mechanic’s laws would be explained by Quantum physics. Thanks to some modern scientists, like Einstein, Heisenberg and Planck, we have significantly widened our mathematical and philosophical knowledge regarding the Quantum Theory. This new theory is introducing us to a new way of thinking scientifically: The idea to think outside of the box, since we don’t have to restrain ourselves with the limits of Classical Mechanics.
In my painting, I decided to characterize the disharmony of Classical and Quantum mechanics by portraying them into two different “worlds” separated by a mirror. The Newtonian world is represented by the reflection in the mirror. The mirror cannot reflect every single thing of the original room because Classical mechanics has major limitations in order to fully understand how the small objects behave. That is why we have to rely more on the Quantum Theory. We don’t have to limit ourselves within the realm of human logic and common sense. Since we can only understand it more thanks to our observations, it allows us to view it using our own perspective. Everyone sees things differently, but it is important to keep in mind that no perspective is wrong. I decided to simulate this idea by painting a scene that is similar to “The Face of Mae West” by Dali on the left side of the canvas. The fact that the scene could look like a woman’s face as well as two windows, a bird, a chair and curtains could represent one of the most important characteristics of the Quantum Theory: the idea that one object can be two things at the same time. This proves us that nothing in this universe are fixed; everything is relative.
The problem is that our brain cannot conceive two things happening at the same time, like how an electron can act as a wave and a particle all at once. So, we have no choice but to observe one aspect of an object at a time. This is the main “barrier” that separates us from perfectly understanding the Quantum world at the first glance. The mirror in itself can act as the “barrier” of our vision. The observer in the real world is obviously unaware that the bottom part of its reflection is melting. He can only assume that his reflection is normal because it appears to be from his point of view.
Indeed, when we keep ourselves within the limits of our own perceptions, we can easily assume things that do not correspond to the reality of the Quantum world. For instance, the Penrose triangle figured in my painting represents how the Quantum Theory can disobey the human logic. It is therefore modified in its reflection in order to match human understanding. In our world, when we don’t understand a certain matter, we tend to visualize it so that is becomes closer to what we perceive as “conventional” to our actual knowledge.
The relatively big pear made of stone that is floating in mid-air has also been changed to conform to human logic: it appears to be a normal pear attached by a string in its reflection. It is attached because in our world, a floating object would not make sense at all. “Why doesn’t it fall?” we would ask. However, this would lead to an even deeper question: “Why does it fall?” Thanks to the theory of relativity, we now know that gravity is actually part of the space-time “continuum” and does not act as an external force. It is space that tells matter how to move and matter that tells space how to bend around it. This would be the perfect example of how things are not always what they seem to be.
Time certainly appeared to be a fixed element in our universe when humans first studied it. Thanks to Einstein, we now know that it was all an illusion. The melting clock symbolizes Einstein’s theory of relativity which states that time is relative. For instance, time stops when you travel at the speed of light and, according to Dali, time also becomes insignificant when we sleep and becomes distorted when we dream. However, in our world, we tend to believe that time is a stable matter; hence the clock appears to be normal when it is reflected.
My painting is very dream-like because it is inspired by some of Magritte and Dali’s masterpieces. It’s incredible how it takes just one little thing to be out of place to confuse the observer. When one sees this painting, one may ask oneself about the meaning of this painting because there are so many things that are out of place that it doesn’t make any sense. Magritte would say: “[…] it does not mean anything, because mystery means nothing either, it is unknowable.”
We might all perceive these mysterious things differently and none of our perceptions are wrong. The Quantum theory pas the ability to defy Classical mechanics because it allows us to step outside of the numerous “barriers” set by human understanding.