“Artists are in some sense neurologist, studying the brain with techniques unique to them.” Semir Zeki*
One writer sees the future of science as the incorporation of the arts into science. Jonathan Lehrer wrote an article titled, The Future of Science..is Art, detailing the many ways science and the process of discovery has come about through the study of artistic movements for insight. Lehrer believes science and scientific discovery will escalate when physics and neuroscience utilize the artistic process in research. By the same token, the arts have turned to science for insight and inspiration. Is it time for the arts to again turn toward the sciences?
One example Lehrer cites in his article is how, in the 1920’s, physicist Neil Bohr became fascinated with cubism. His fascination led to examinations of spatial relationships. From cubism, Bohr formed his thinking on the solidity of matter. Lehrer describes Bohr’s study of electrons and the spatial positioning of planets through the eyes of cubism. And Bohr is just one example in Lehrer’s article. It is well worth the read for a number of other examples of science utilizing art for discovery.
During the Renaissance, artists turned to science to develop spatial relationships like perspective. Di Vinci’s The Last Supper is a significant example of the use of perspective as a primary design tool within the picture plane. The progression of art movements since that time has moved in and out of the use of science in art creation. Many would argue the Abstract Movement veered totally from science but did it really? Doesn’t abstract art make use of the science of color?
As Today’s art moves into the next generation, it seems logical that the utilization of science within the practice of art making will lead to greater and greater discovery. Lehrer’s article outlines the many ways science can be helped by the arts. That same logic would also say the utilization of science in art will produce similar results. Science needs art. Art needs science. The future depends on art and science holding hands, walking together.
*Quote is from the article by Jonah Lehrer in The Future of Science… is Art, originally appearing in Fourth Culture and later in Seed Magazine
Seems as if we can learn from everything and that’s as it should be.
Yes!!
Now that is a quality post. A painting I could look at for hours and enough to think about while looking at it.
Thanks so much!!! Lately science and art have seemed to be disconnected. Maybe that’s changing!
There was a time when to be a scientist was to be an artist. And to be an artist was to be a scientist. Even today, both require the same creative, analytical mindset. Though they are considered separate I see so many overlaps. It’s nice to see some scientists are acknowledging the connection.
I hope we are seeing a return to the connection!
You will keep writing this rareified stuff. How do you expect morons like me to understand ? [grin]
Of course it ain’t written for the likes of me, I pulleth yore lil laig …
That laig of mine is getting rather stretched out! Can you pull the other one next time?? Thank, M-R, for keeping me on my toes!!