Sci Art is exactly what you think it is. It’s the bridging together of Science and Art. There’s no specific or strict category that SciArt falls into, it can be artworks inspired by current scientific topics or issues. It can be art made from technologies that were primarily developed for the use by scientists. It can be a creation in the form of fine art, digital art, soundscapes, music, jewellery, films, poems, theatre, graffiti basically anything that involves a creative process, and that is also to do with science.
The whole concept of SciArt blurs a line between the worlds of Science and Art, it doesn’t conform to societies view that science and art belong in two very separate boxes. This is something that greatly excites me. Keep reading to see some examples of the different kinds of SciArtworks that I have found online.
Scientists are not dissimilar from Artists
Artists create novel pieces of work, unique creations that allow them to share their ideas and concepts with the world. They require a curiosity of the world around them, in order to capture their thoughts and discoveries. Of course, it makes sense that scientists do this too! Both scientists and artists work to document their world, in their own different ways.
We are all born curious. All humans, no mater what age, think about the world around them. We think about what we see, hear, smell, taste, feel. Of course scientists and artists are no different to every other human. However, they are some of the few people whom are turning this curiosity and this thinking into tangible, novel pieces of work. Whether it be a painting or a research paper. I believe that all of us are born with a degree of curiosity, and therefore all of us have an innate ability to be artists or scientists, if we wanted to be.
That is why I love SciArt – because it harmonises together two seemingly opposite industries, which primitively speaking, aren’t that dissimilar at all. SciArt allows creativity and the sharing of scientific knowledge, and can inspire thoughts and questions about the world around us.
SciArt is nothing new
There may not have always been fancy technologies and artistic methods like filmmaking or using microscopic imagery etc, but there are countless examples of early scientists using drawing as a method for conveying their ideas. Also, there are examples of famous artists that used scientific accuracy in their artworks too. For example, Leonardo Da Vinci was an artist from the late 1400’s. He had an artistic talent that he combined with his fascination for science, particularly for human anatomy and movement. One of his most famous sketches entitled The Vitruvian Man, (shown below), was produced in 1490.
Why SciArt is important
People studying and working in scientific industries will always have important messages to share with the wider public. It’s important for them to pass on their newly acquired knowledge in order to help progress society. This is where the role of the science communicator steps in. The communicator has a huge responsibility to pass on messages clearly and accurately, and one innovative method of communication is via the creation of art.
SciComm and SciArt therefore give scientists an opportunity to share their knowledge. SciArt creations can then become tools of education, bringing complicated scientific topics or important scientific issues to the wider public in more exciting and accessible ways. Just like the many examples of marine plastic artworks that have been cropping up around the world very recently!
Types of Sci Art:
- Fine art
The possibilities are endless when it comes to creating fine art. Artists have used paints, sculpture, mixed media, fabrics, glass, metal, woodwork, concrete, inks, the list goes on. One really cool exhibition of work by Sci Artists can be found here.
- Digital art
- Jewellery
A quick Etsy search will reveal that there are many examples of cool scientific jewellery these days. From rings shaped as chemical compounds, to microscopic imagery turned into necklaces, to enamel pins depicting popular scientists themselves.
- Sounds and Music
One example I have found is a collection of 8 musical compositions inspired by research findings and the life of the scientists behind them. Entitled “The Sound Of Science” , you can read all about the soundtrack here! It was created in a collaboration between Graham Reynolds, Jeffery Zeigler, and seven other distinguished composers.
- Poems and theatre
- Filmography and Photography
This could be using microscopes, electron scanning microscopes, telescopes, and all sorts of cameras.
- Microbial art
Also known as agar art, or bacterial art, is the process of creating artwork by culturing microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, or protists. Using a petri dish as their canvas, these scientific artists chose their preferred microbes for their natural colours. Also they can engineer them to express fluorescent proteins, which when viewed under ultraviolet light makes them fluoresce in various colours.
Finally, I just wanna finish by saying that you don’t have to be a scientist to create an artwork inspired by science. Equally, you don’t have to have a background or knowledge in art, to create something new! SciArt can be anything and everything. You don’t even have to stick to these kinds of examples either, that’s the most exciting part!
Hopefully this article has inspired you to get thinking about your world with both a scientific curiosity AND a creative mind. Or at least I hope it has opened your eyes to the wonderful world of SciArt. I can’t wait to get creating!
