Charles Mouyat As below, so above (ut infra, sic supra)

Charles Mouyat’s subject is Michelle Simmons, a professor of quantum physics and global leader in quantum computing research, who was the 2018 Australian of the Year.

‘Advanced binary computers have normalised cultural developments that were incomprehensible a decade ago. Quantum computers will result in an exponential acceleration of this change, and Michelle’s research has seismic implications for us all,’ says Mouyat, a two-time Archibald finalist.

There are allusions to computing in Mouyat’s portrait. ‘Michelle looks at us. We see her face, but quickly focus on her intriguing fingers, which represent the superposition of a qubit (quantum bit) that is neither zero nor one but both,’ he explains.

‘The colour vignettes in the background represent the “known”, while juxtaposing electric blue (intellect) and carmine red (heart) suggests our binary belief systems are outmoded in the digital age.

‘Michelle’s torso is the deepest black I could conjure as my paean to the eternal feminine. Her painterly features express creative human endeavour, while the use of violet points to her effortless regal composure and warmth.

‘A celebrated role model for young womencommitted to STEM research, Michelle represents the best of all Australians.’