Boedi Widjaja, Path. 15, Cosmic Strangers, 2025, multimedia, variable dimensions. Courtesy the artist.
Entangled Uncertainties
Wednesday, 12 February 2025 · 7:00 - 8:30 PM
What is reality? The models we use to conceptualise the world are increasingly under scrutiny, reshaped by the ecological crises of our time and the revelations of quantum theories. Classical distinctions between humans, non-humans, and objects are dissolving as we zoom in at the quantum level, revealing a world of entanglements and uncertainties. This event brings together artist Boedi Widjaja, whose practice explores the intangible and ephemeral, and philosopher of physics Eugene Chua, whose work delves into the complexities of quantum mechanics. Their presentations will be followed by a dialogue moderated by artist ong kian peng. The panel will unfold some intersections of art, science, and philosophy, offering new perspectives on how we perceive, construct, and engage with reality. Through this exchange, the audience will be offered new lenses for understanding the world and reimagine their place within a dynamic, interconnected cosmos.
This event is generated by ong kian peng within Communities of Practice. Techno Diversions, a research programme that aims to propel a transformative understanding of technology through artistic practices and transdisciplinary encounters.
Dr Eugene Chua is a Nanyang Assistant Professor of Philosophy at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. He received his BA and MA from the University of Cambridge and and his PhD from the University of California San Diego. He was Ahmanson Postdoctoral Instructor in Philosophy of Science at the California Institute of Technology . His work focuses primarily on philosophy of physics, philosophy of science, and cognate metaphysical/epistemological issues, with a special interest in the conceptual foundations of thermodynamics, spacetime, and quantum mechanics as well as the relations between them.
The practice of Boedi Widjaja (b. 1975, Indonesia) contemplates ideas of house, home, and homeland. Trained in architecture and design, Boedi engages with the space and politics of belonging through agencies of the body, memory, and language working across diverse media. He has exhibited at Yuz Museum, Shanghai (2024-25), National Art Gallery, Singapore (2023-24), FACT, Liverpool (2021-22), and Katonah Museum, New York (2021). His solo presentations have taken place at ArtSG Platform, Singapore (2024), the Esplanade, Singapore (2022 and 2014), Helwaser Gallery, New York (2019) and ShanghART Singapore (2018-19). He has participated in Art Field Nanhai (2024-25), Thailand Biennale, Chiang Rai (2023-24), Singapore Biennale (2019-20), Asia Pacific Triennial (2018-19), and the Diaspora Pavilion (Live Art), 57th Venice Biennale (2017). He is represented by ShanghART.
ong kian peng
Artist
Singapore,
Working across a broad range of mediums, including film, sound, VR, and electronics, ong kian peng (Singapore, 1981) situates his practice at the intersection of art, technology and ecology. His work explores ecological thinking through immersive multi-media environments and installations that address environmental crises, climate change, and the expanding field of human-technology interactions. Delving into the complex relationship between culture, nature, and technology, he creates visionary scenarios and raises existential questions about our role in shaping the future of a vulnerable planet. His work has been featured in international exhibitions and festivals such as, most recently, Ars Electronica (Linz, Austria, 2024) and Singapore Biennale (2022). In 2017, he co-founded Supernormal.space, an independent art space focusing on emerging and experimental art practices. He was awarded the President’s Young Talents award in 2015. He is currently a PhD candidate at the NTU School of Art, Design and Media and a recipient of the NTU Research Scholarship.
