In January 2021, Justin Aversano founded Quantum as a platform to uplift, support, and sustain artists working in Web3. Personally interested in technology and a collector of NFTs, he created a space to push the digital creative ecosystem forward. At first, that was online with quantum.art, a diverse photography and digital art gallery and marketplace. Released in curated, multi-edition drops, available works ranged from photographs by Brian Vu to early computer art by the late creator Herbert W. Franke.
Quantum Space LA, photo by Raven Trammell.
Quantum later launched Quantum Keys—a paid, tokenized section of the platform that provides access to exclusively minted NFTs. Its success enabled the company to open a physical space in California, Quantum Space Los Angeles (QSLA), last summer. The 3,800-square-foot gathering space for community members and events features an NFT gallery and minting center with more than 30 screens, a metaverse immersion room, a collectors’ lounge, and an artist-in-residence program—with priority access given to Quantum Key holders.
Whitewall spoke with Aversano about merging the physical and digital worlds and what he sees on the horizon.
WHITEWALL: Can you describe for us how Quantum Keys funded the opening of QSLA?
JUSTIN AVERSANO: One thousand Quantum Keys were dropped for 1 ETH in March. This key drop funded the entire space, buildout, activation of QSLA for the next few years for the collectors and artists!
WW: QSLA in Santa Monica features an NFT gallery and minting center store, an immersion room, and a collectors’ lounge for Quantum Key holders. How did you envision this space fostering a real-world Web3 community?
JA: We envision Quantum Space LA to be the cultural hub for NFTs and digital art for Los Angeles, where different NFT projects and leaders can congregate, work, host events and in-real-life minting opportunities for their communities as well. Our goal is to bring everyone together! From the most active in NFTs to the people on the street walking by who are eager to learn.
Quantum Space LA, photo by Raven Trammell.
WW: Why is having a physical space important for Quantum’s digital community?
JA: Having a physical space is important for the community because it allows us to have a haven for people to connect and build stronger bonds than you can online, including meeting new people you wouldn’t have met online.
WW: For the opening, Quantum launched its newest project, Doppelgänger—a collection of one thousand outtakes from a previous photography collection entitled “Twin Flames.” Why was this a subject you wanted to highlight?
JA: We wanted to showcase a derivative project of my “Twin Flames” to experiment with the idea of “generative photography.” What that means and how that is achieved through a project everyone already knows and loves. Using the outtakes that were never supposed to be seen and creating something brand new and experimental. It was in collaboration with a masterful artist and developer, Kim Asendorf.
Quantum Space LA, photo by Raven Trammell.
WW: This space will also feature an artist-in-residence space. Can you tell us about your first artist and what this space helps them accomplish?
JA: The first artist in residence in Praxis. They will be focused on creating a new fashion and art component for Quantum Key drop three. This space gives them the opportunity to create a solo exhibition and new ways of thinking in the digital realm with immersive spaces projection mapping.
Quantum Space LA, photo by Raven Trammell.
WW: How do these keys also support the artist-in-residence program?
JA: The keys support the artist-in-residence program, which in return is the reward program for Quantum Key holders by the NFTs that are delivered.
Quantum Space LA, photo by Raven Trammell.
WW: What are you working on now?
JA: Quantum is working on new drops, in-real-life activations, B-to-B business and partnerships. For my personal work, I am having a solo exhibition at Venus Over Manhattan gallery on September 6, from six to nine p.m. on Great Jones Street for my “Cognition” series, which will be the physical component to the NFTs.
WW: You’ve mentioned that Quantum plans to open another space soon. Are there any expansion plans for other physical spaces in the pipeline?
JA: Quantum Space New York City is coming next!
Quantum Space LA, photo by Raven Trammell.
