Talk Event “Useless Science & Art” Held at the Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo

As a related program of the Mission∞Infinity exhibition at the Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo, the talk event “Useless Science & Art: The Usefulness of ‘Useless’ Science and Art” was held on Saturday, March 21, 2026, attracting 119 participants. This event was organized as a continuation of “Entangle Moment [Quantum, Sea, and Universe] × Art,” held at the EXPO Messe “WASSE” during Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, from August 14 to 20, 2025, which welcomed approximately 60,000 visitors in total.

Continuing the momentum of that initiative, the event brought together iTHEMS researchers and artists to discuss the value of scientific research and artistic expression that may initially appear “useless.” Using Black Hole Recorder, a work inspired by quantum black hole theory, as a starting point, participants shared multifaceted perspectives on the relationship between science and creativity.

Audience members also actively engaged in the discussion, raising numerous questions and exchanging ideas about the relationship between science and art and how their value should be understood. The venue was filled with lively and enthusiastic discussion throughout the event. Expanding further on the fusion of science and art sparked by the Expo, the event provided a valuable opportunity to reflect on the nature of knowledge from a long-term perspective.

The Mission∞Infinity: Space, Quantum, and Art exhibition at the Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo, including the display of Useless Prototyping Studio’s Black Hole Recorder, will continue through Wednesday, May 6, 2026 (national holiday).