Science and art belong together
When we speak of scientific innovations, art is rarely mentioned. But it should be. Here are 5 reasons why.

1. Art allows people to feel science
“It is easier to get people to feel something through art than through science”, says Stephany Buenrostro Mazon, an atmospheric scientist who has helped artist Josefina Nelimarkka create her exhibition on air particles and climate change.
Nelimarkka finds it important to create art that shows people all the great research that is being made around big issues such as climate change. In her work she uses real-time data from Hyytiälä forest station to describe the current quality of air. “The more you know and see, the more solutions you have.”
2. Art brings the element of surprise into science
Whereas science can be very hypothesis-oriented, art is based in artistic freedom to explore and change when necessary. Josefina Nelimarkka’s interviews with researchers resulted in an exhibition called Kairos, recently presented at Helsinki Art Museum.
The artist didn’t have a clear plan of what would come when she first started her interviews. “I rarely plan the outcome of my work beforehand.”
3. We need artists who explore what science can do
In a few years, we all may have scientific innovations implanted in our bodies. How does it feel to be human and still be connected to data? Cyborg artist Moon Ribas has a sensory extension on her arm that allows her to feel earthquakes through small vibrations.
She applies this new sense to her artistic work and explores the union between our species and technology. Without artists willing to take the plunge and dive deep into the possibilities of science, where would we be?
4. Science connects art to societal issues
When applying science into art, the result can be more than just a painting or a performance. A piece of theatre can tackle issues recognized in research and become a comment on the reality we are really dealing with.
According to Thomas Corneliussen, an artist from the theatre group Stages of Science, theatre is a great venue for exploring human psychology and social issues. “When people can relate to the stories on stage, they can feel a connection. This can be a transformative experience.”
5. Collaboration can bring better solutions
Technology has allowed for many great innovations but none of them serve a purpose unless we understand how and why humans use them. The Robot Project explores how people interact and adapt themselves to robots in their close environment. The project also considers the ethical concerns of robotics.
Elizabeth Jochum, Associate Professor at The Faculty of Humanities in Aalborg University believes technology — and engineers in particular — can learn from art. “When engineers build robots, they don’t necessarily think about how we as humans are going to interact with them.”
The Robot Project brings together Jochum’s research and theatre groups Stages of Science and Flying Pigs. “Artists and scientists shouldn’t be working alone — the most unexpected and creative solutions in robotics will come from collaboration with artists.”
The artists and scientists mentioned are part of Art ♥️ Science — Merging Two Minds meetup at Techfestival 8th September.

