Blog 1: The Friendship between Art and Science

Science is an evolving area of study that involves the development of techniques, skills, and expertise in order to reach a higher understanding of a subject.  However in contrast, art is a form of expression in which the artist vocalizes their messages to the viewer so that their discovery be made known. While some may believe that science and art are separate fields in terms of what is practiced, I concur by stating that there are numerous overlapping similarities between the two.  Both the two subjects visualize and express their findings through an inquisitive perspective in order to learn and identify the unknown as well as develop a stronger understanding.

This can be best seen through Santiago Ramón y Cajal as he unfolded the beautiful micro-level details of human cells through depictions on ink and pencil.  Through his involvement in modern neuroscience, Ramón was best known as the “Father of Neuroscience” for his scientific illustrations of the basic building blocks of the human brain, the neurons. In Figure 1, his depictions of the human retina can be seen through various subsections of the eye. In addition through Figure 2, the purkinje neurons from the cerebellum were so delicately drawn that one can see even see the tiniest of branches stemming from the neuron.  While known as a scientist, Ramón outstandingly utilized his artistic skill to transition microscopic images onto paper in order to advance the neuroscience field, but also inspire surrealist and abstract art.
Figure 1:  “Human Retina of the Eye”
Figure 2:  “Purkinje Neurons from the Human Cerebellum”
Another more recent artist that walks the fine line between art and science is Vesna Jovanovic.  A mixed media artist, Vesna specializes in the human anatomy in order to communicate how wonderfully aesthetic the natural human body is while also being tainted by uncommon or abnormal conditions.  By using pencil-drawn images of organs coupled with random spots of ink droplets, she aims to open the discussion more on differences of the human body. Through visualization of Figure 3, one can see the detail-orientation to the coccyx bone where the infiltration of the watercolor paint seeps into the bones.  While visually pleasing to the eye, my interpretation promotes the idea of pathogens as it permeates our body in order to cause disarray and chaos within us. Another image that shares this message is Figure 4, with the femur bone and the paint droplets, however in contrast, a screw is implanted to the side of the bone.  Through this, this also suggests that the unnatural phenomena of surgery and repair are indeed a part of us, that technology and anatomy make up our physiological and psychological identity.
Figure 3:  Cannulated Screws
Figure 4:  Spinal Cord Stimulator
Figure 5:  Drug Packets
Through these 2 artists, Ramón and Vesna, the promotion of the idea that art and science do intersect with one another is achieved.

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