The Unspoken Harmony of Science and Art

Science and Art alike stimulate the brain to develop original ideas and concepts. This can be in the form of an experiment or a new composition. In 1790, Kant aptly stated that both of these fields aren’t simply a matter of learning, replicating and recreating in order to arrive at a scientific or artistic possibility. Just as art requires creativity, science does too. It involves the implementation of knowledge to create new experimental scenarios. By recognizing that science requires a creative approach, aspects of art may benefit and enrich scientists and expand their mindsets, skills, methodologies, and thinking. In this way, science can also be considered a creative profession.

Chance also plays a vital role in these fields. Discoveries are still something that many people consider to be made through luck. However, coupling the aspect of creativity with art can broaden a scientist’s view. For example, Alexander Fleming observed staphylococcus that had thrived in a Petri plate that was accidentally left in the laboratory. From this, a series of events occurred which led to the development of antibiotics.

Another common misconception is that experiments are intended to produce results, and failure is attributed to the experiment when a desired outcome is not met. By doing so and using a 'control', the chances of answering questions beyond the scope of the experiment are reduced. Pasteur famously remarked during a lecture at the University of Lille in 1854 that “in the fields of observation, chance favors only the prepared mind”. Therefore, more could be achieved by allowing scientists to waver away from the question at hand and follow the path that their research takes them. Just like scientists carry out experiments in a script-like manner that is predecided before experimenting, many artists also follow through with their original plan of action where the latter step is dependent on the former. Both forms are attacked and strengthened by continuous critiquing. In art, self-critiquing and critiquing by others occurs during the process and upon obtaining the final result. Whereas in science, one may be able to fully assess themselves only after the completion of the experiment or project. This could take weeks or even years to complete. In this regard, the parallels between art and science begin to come to light.

Both scientists and artists gain inspiration from their subconscious. These fields teach us that consistency, precision, and analytical skills are key. It is important to view science as a turbulent tunnel of discovery rather than a sequence of trial and error. The realm of science and art can be considered to be about discovering the truth or one's definition of it, and sharing it across to the world. By collaborating together, they can unlock new perspectives resulting in something new, bringing awareness to a certain issue or helping the other express their definition of the truth in our intricately intertwined world.