Paul Rowlands Thomas

Professor Paul Rowlands Thomas is a pioneering transdisciplinary artist and academic at UNSW Art and Design, specializing in the intersection of art, nanoscience, and quantum theory. His work operates at the nano-level, exploring concepts like the space between life and death, quantum superposition, and parallel universes.

• Current research focuses on quantum computing with Associate Professor Andrea Morello (Quantum Nanosystems, UNSW)
• Co-chair of the Transdisciplinary Imaging Conference (2010, 2012, 2014)
• Founding Director of the Biennale of Electronic Arts Perth (2002, 2004)

Thomas's artistic practice integrates scientific methodologies through major installations including Nanoessence (examining life at sub-cellular level with SymbioticA and Curtin University's NRI), Midas (skin-gold interaction studies), and Multiverse (quantum theories of light). His work bridges electronic media art with quantum physics, creating immersive experiences that visualize atomic phenomena through projects like Quantum Consciousness (electron movement visualization) and Ambiantspace (emergent media's effect on imagination).

Thomas has published extensively including the books Nanoart: The Immateriality of Art and Relive Media Art Histories (co-edited with Sean Cubitt). His research output spans 6 books, 20 journal articles, and numerous creative works including nanoart installations and audio-visualizations. He leads the Transdisciplinary Arts Research Collaborative (CRASH) and established the National Organization of Media Arts Database (NOMAD) to support media arts education.