Quantum computing inspired paintings: reinterpreting classical masterpieces

TL;DR

This paper explores using quantum computing techniques to reinterpret classical paintings by altering their compositions based on quantum simulations, blending classical and quantum aesthetics in art.

Contribution

It introduces a novel method of applying quantum computation to art, transforming classical artworks into new compositions through quantum-inspired processes.

Findings

Quantum-inspired transformations alter classical paintings' compositions.

Successful integration of quantum simulation results into visual art.

Potential to expand artistic practices with quantum computing techniques.

Abstract

We aim to apply a quantum computing technique to compose artworks. The main idea is to revisit three paintings of different styles and historical periods: ''Narciso'', painted circa 1597-1599 by Michelangelo Merisi (Caravaggio), ''Les fils de l'homme'', painted in 1964 by Rene Magritte and ''192 Farben'', painted in 1966 by Gerard Richter. We utilize the output of a quantum computation to change the composition in the paintings, leading to a paintings series titled ''Quantum Transformation I, II, III''. In particular, the figures are discretized into square lattices and the order of the pieces is changed according to the result of the quantum simulation. We consider an Ising Hamiltonian as the observable in the quantum computation and its time evolution as the final outcome. From a classical subject to abstract forms, we seek to combine classical and quantum aesthetics through these three art pieces. Besides experimenting with hardware runs and circuit noise, our goal is to reproduce these works as physical oil paintings on wooden panels. With this process, we complete a full circle between classical and quantum techniques and contribute to rethinking Art practice in the era of quantum computing technologies.