Today, it is not uncommon to view the arts and the sciences as mutually exclusive disciplines. We tend to imagine scientists and artists residing on opposite ends of a spectrum, each offering fundamentally different contributions to society. In an era of rapid technological advancements, STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) is frequently recognized as the primary driver of progress while the arts are sometimes overlooked. While it’s true that these two disciplines shape our world in unique ways, their impact can be equally powerful — and arguably even greater when they work in unison. This article will explore the intersections between art and science, and how both work together to deepen public understanding, provoke new ideas, and inspire meaningful changes within our society.
Art and science are catalysts for action
Throughout history, science has provided key solutions to complex global problems. Take the COVID-19 pandemic, for example. Efforts within the scientific community to develop novel vaccines, model viral transmission, and shape effective public health policies were vital to saving millions of lives. But despite these efforts, widespread misinformation and distrust hindered public compliance. To bridge this gap, artists stepped in. Projects like the “COVID-19 Poster Project” and murals painted across cities around the world depicted scientific guidelines through art, reminding people to wear masks, wash hands, and support healthcare workers. Rather than viewing public health regulations as burdensome orders, these artworks invited the public to understand them as shared responsibilities for the greater good.
In a similar way, art has served to enhance public understanding of climate change. While the scientific data backing climate change is well-established, it can often appear abstract to the general population. Artists have contributed to making climate change data more accessible by translating them into emotional experiences. For instance, Olafur Eliasson’s Ice Watch in 2014 placed pieces of glaciers from Greenland on the streets of London where they melted in real-time, allowing the public to tangibly observe the impact of rising temperatures on arctic ecosystems. In addition, Photographer Gregg Segal’s 7 days of garbage imaged American families surrounded by a week’s worth of their trash, confronting us with the issues of overconsumption in today’s world. Initiatives such as these provoke a sense of responsibility, causing us to rethink daily habits and demand more accountability from powerful groups to shape environmental outcomes.
These examples demonstrate that while science may offer solutions, it is often art that shapes how we perceive, interpret, and ultimately respond to the challenges we face on a societal level.
Art inspires scientific discovery
In addition to being a call for action, art has also played an important role in shaping scientific thought. From Leonardo da Vinci’s detailed anatomical drawings to Charles Darwin’s sketches supporting his theory of evolution, visual artistic representation has been crucial for inspiring new ideas.
An interesting contemporary example of this took place during the creation of Christopher Nolan’s Interstellar (2014), where the film’s producers collaborated with physicist Kip Thorne to create a scientifically accurate depiction of a black hole. In the process of creating the film, the team uncovered new scientific insights regarding how light behaves when in close proximity to black holes, which eventually led to the publication of a research paper in Classical and Quantum Gravity.
Beyond informing research, science fiction also possesses the ability to inspire curiosity and interest in STEM, especially within younger generations. Many scientists, engineers, and astronauts have credited their early interest in science to fictional books, shows, and movies. Gary Blackwood, a program manager at NASA, credits the 1960s show Star Trek for fueling his interest in science, and quotes “Star Trek really gave me a sense of wonder—going to other stars on a spaceship, the stars flying by, that image on the screen. Star Trek always spoke to that greater vision, that greater achievement, what mankind could become.”
Art influences our interpretation of science
Art in the form of science fiction has also served as a platform to explore the future of science and its role in society. The TV show Black Mirror explores avenues of emerging technology, like the dangers of social media and unregulated virtual reality while The Humans depicts the currently relevant issues of integrating artificial intelligence and robots into society. These cinematic pieces push audiences to imagine a world where these technologies are implemented, testing the waters for novel ideas. They creatively bring ethical considerations to the surface, pushing us to ask not just how these technologies are made, but if they should be implemented in the first place. As quoted by NASA scientist Mae Jemison, “What really good science fiction does is to allow you to reflect on yourself, your values and your beliefs…It uses a fictionalized science as a mechanism to push us to think about what we’re doing.”
Conclusion
At their core, artists and scientists often share a common objective: to challenge conventional ways of thinking and uncover new perspectives that allow us to enhance our experience as human beings. When we mix fact with feeling, we not only enrich knowledge but inspire change for the future. Keeping both the arts and the sciences alive isn’t just valuable; it’s necessaryfor maintaining an informed, thoughtful, and driven society.
Milea DiPonzio