Strange bedfellows: Why art and science go hand in hand

By Siân Allerton

When you think of Albert Einstein, what words come to mind? Physicist? Mathematician? That ‘Eureka’ guy? But would you describe him as an artist? Would you compare him to Van Gogh or Monet?

These days, it seems the role of artist and scientist are considered drastically different. The fields are commonly seen as opposites of one another. However, some believe that art and science should go hand in hand; that they are intertwined and can help each other flourish.

One such person is Anicka Yi, a conceptual artist who utilises science and technology to create stimulating works of art. If you have visited the Tate Modern in the last few months, or have watched any London Instagram stories, you have probably seen Yi’s work. Her piece ‘In Love with the World’ featured floating robots named ‘aerobes’ which were inspired by organic life forms, like octopi and mushrooms.

With these aerobes, Yi explored the idea of a world shared with machines which can adapt and evolve on their own. Using AI learning, she questioned whether biology and technology could enable machines to evolve into independent life forms. Electronic sensors around the room acted as alternatives for their senses. The aerobes’ system software responded to these ‘senses’ allowing them to follow a unique flight path. ‘In Love with the World’ is a perfect example of Yi’s ability to create a mesmerising piece of art whilst at the same time asking questions of science and technology.

Yi also has a fascination with the progression of life. This can be seen in her piece called ‘Shameplex’ which was exhibited in the Museum of Modern Art in New York City. Seven rectangular, clear, plastic boxes were filled with a layer of green ultrasonic gel. Within the gel, nickel-plated pins were arranged in different geometric patterns. As time progressed, the rusting of the pins began to invade the gel, creating beautifully unique patterns.

Yi’s aim was to emphasise the messiness of life and highlight the algorithms that drive our sensory perceptions. ‘Shameplex’ at a glance can invoke feelings of disgust and anguish. However, upon deeper reflection it can bring about feelings of joy, much like that associated with childbirth and pregnancy.

What is unique about Yi’s work is that she seeks to combine science with traditional art fabrication. However, this type of practice wouldn’t have always been considered so unique. In the past, periods of scientific enlightenment were, more often than not, accompanied by a large artistic boom.

A key example of this is the Renaissance, where, in the 15th and 16th century, a large progression in both science and art was seen. Science and art thrived off of each other.

One of the most famous people involved in this exciting time-period was Leonardo da Vinci. Importantly, he was considered not only an artist, but also a scientist and an inventor. He not only created some of the most well-known pieces of art to this day, including the ‘Mona Lisa’ and ‘The Last Supper’, but he also designed workable precursors of a diving suit, a robot and a tank. Is it possible that Da Vinci’s inarguable genius can be attributed to his ability to embrace and combine both the arts and the sciences?

The collaboration of science and art can also very plainly be seen in many beautiful buildings throughout the world. Take the pyramids of Giza, the Acropolis, the Colosseum, or the Empire State Building. They all required mathematics and engineering to create pieces of art which are still praised and visited by many today.

When creating a piece, Yi seeks to collaborate with experts across many fields, including engineers, philosophers, chemists and perfumers. She sees this type of cooperation as a way of enhancing and supporting creativity. Most importantly, she believes that “the role of the artist is really, quite frankly, as much as a scientist, to define what life is and what life can be”. Art can help to push the boundaries of possibility in both technology and science, leading to breakthroughs which were originally unimaginable.

So, maybe it is true that art can lead to scientific innovation. Maybe, instead of continuing to separate the science and art sectors, it is time to merge them to create one completely intersectional field. If Yi is right, then the advancement seen in both technology and art fabrication would be exponential. ■

Siân Allerton is an MRes Chemical Biology student.