Interactions Between Science & Art
At first glance, science and art appear fundamentally different - one is rooted in reason and precision, while the other requires intuition and flexibility.
Science and art can, therefore, feel like separate worlds, but in reality, they share significant overlap and connection and have always enriched each other.
By Margot Smit, ZMBP Tübingen Twitter/X: @likeyoda1
At first glance, science and art appear fundamentally different - one is rooted in reason and precision, while the other requires intuition and flexibility. Science and art can, therefore, feel like separate worlds, but in reality, they share significant overlap and connection and have always enriched each other. For plant biologists, art can feel like a distraction, taking away valuable time from our academic pursuits. But embracing creativity is incredibly beneficial. Science does rely on more artsy traits as well such as creativity and flexibility, which are essential in troubleshooting and formulating innovative ideas and hypotheses. From the art perspective, just as scientific advancements build upon prior work, art builds upon existing pieces and ideas, and often requires extensive planning and consideration of new perspectives. I want to explore connections between science and art and describe how stepping outside of our usual scientific domain can allow for new perspectives, encourage experimentation, and bring joy.
Throughout history, many scientists were also artists. Art served as an essential tool for scientific observation resulting in beautiful botanical illustrations and intricate microscopy-based figures. In the modern scientific landscape, art and science continue to intertwine. Scientific illustration and graphic design play a crucial role in visualizing discoveries, thus enabling effective communication with our peers and the public. Works by David Goodsell and The Amoeba Sisters, for example, make discoveries in biology more accessible. Similarly, events such as the Nikon Small World photomicrography competition, highlight a fusion of science and art and showcase the beauty of observations from within the lab to provide glimpses of the natural world that might otherwise remain hidden. Finally, science-inspired art, or sci-art, uses science as the inspiration to produce works of art. Sci-art is also an excellent way to connect with the public and share knowledge, inspire creativity, and even support positive societal outcomes. For example, the PNW Coral Reef Project engages the public to showcase the beauty and diversity of the undersea world while engaging in a conversation about climate change and ocean pollutants. Finally, collaborations between artists and scientists can merge the best of both domains. These exchanges often involve an artist visiting and connecting with a scientist, and the interactions become an inspiration for their art; for example, artists-in-residence at the Broad Institute. The reverse - scientists being taught and inspired by artists and then creating art themselves, is something I would love to see happen more! As scientists, delving into the world of art offers us a unique opportunity for growth and self-discovery. Engaging in artistic pursuits lets us explore new perspectives, embrace failure on the way to progress, and find joy in creating something tangible and unique.
My own artistic journey recently restarted from an extended rest with a desire to try something new and to stretch my underdeveloped creative muscles. I love science but the more hours I spend on it, the more my mood depends on my scientific results. This is something I want to avoid, especially since I know that pressure will increase as I progress in my academic career. When considering art mediums, I shy away from drawing and painting as the failure feels very confrontational, and I continue to struggle with having the ‘vision’ to create something original. While exploring art forms, I stumbled upon the linocut printmaking works of artist Lynn M Jones and I decided to give it a try. Two years into my printmaking adventure, I have taken several courses and created many prints, both inspired by science and other subjects. I am not a professional artist but that does not diminish the joy and satisfaction it brings me to create art. In addition, creating science-inspired pieces often starts fun conversations with people outside of my scientific niche as I explain what they’re looking at.
The next step in my journey is a move to Germany where I’ll start as an independent junior group leader at the ZMBP in Tübingen. I’m looking forward to developing as a group leader and to continue getting inspired by science. Check out my prints on my website.
In short, art can help us explore, gain new perspectives, and develop creativity. Try something new and don’t be afraid of being a novice! Just like science, art is often experimental. And consider showing off your work next year at the International Conference on Arabidopsis Research (ICAR 2024) in San Diego where there will be a science-inspired art show organized by Cris Argueso (one of the meeting organizers on the North American Arabidopsis Steering Committee.) Art of all kinds and at all levels is welcome- from beginner to advanced.
The first logo for the Smit lab
