The more I delve into the arts, the more I see how much science and art play a double act in the creative industry.
Processes, categorising, definitions, pushing, pulling, catalysts. All these words scream Science, but also underpin the work of an artist.
How so?
Science holds a title of honour; it is associated with progression and solutions.
Art generally holds a more leisurely title; we think we don’t need it, it’s a nice addition to one’s lifestyle if they can afford it, or even understand it.
And what came first? Science, or Art? Did we discover solutions before we visualised them? Did we progress without imagination?
My intent is to give art the honour it deserves, both science and art are integral to human growth and flourishing.
When the powers that be commission the greatest minds to aid in warfare, they may consider how to outmatch their opponents technologically, using advanced weapon systems. If an artist was commissioned for the same task, their approach would differ greatly- what would we expect? Potentially the artist would seek to bring both parties together, unifying them in the arts, helping the other to understand their perspective through their mediums, possibly breaking down barriers and creating empathy within the opposing forces.
Science certainly has its place, and without art, I would argue, science would be impossible to implement in our world, you need to imagine & design to even begin to implement a scientific idea!
And in turn, I would also argue, that art, would be impossible without science! The very laws that govern the universe, with mathematical precision, the stars that twinkle, the inspiration every artist has discovered is a scientific endeavour! The various technologies we use to create our art we can thank science for! Hand in hand, science and art form an unbreakable bond, one cannot be without the other!
With this in mind, I believe that both science and art can bring about great social change; an artist may create a piece of work to explore and challenge current perspectives and trends. Art in its many forms has the potential to change someone’s mind, be it a soldier to a pacifist or breaking down prejudice ideologies to promote peace.
By its very nature science changes based on new evidence obtained. Perhaps it’s time to change our understanding of art. After all, the greatest battles of all time, were won in tandem.
Written by: Chloe White June 2023
3 Comments
Really interesting Chloe. As a science education specialist, I had never really thought (or been trained to) include artistic thinking in scientific investigations. Yet I encourage children to think outside the box, be curious and envision outcomes before doing any practical at all! I’ll definitely seek to combine science and art where I can going forward. Thanks clo! Xx
I definitely don’t think art and science are at war with each other. The powers that be such as governments and religious groups have pitted the two against each other throughout history, but I think most artists and scientists have always known they are speaking the same language. Ideological trends have always stirred and muddied the waters but the dreamers, explorers and experimenters have always risen above that.
This was so interesting! As a scientist, I can definitely see how art helps science but it’s fun thinking art needs science too. It’s beautiful how we all need each other!