Species Loss: Exploring Opportunities with Art–Science

Abstract

Human-induced global change has triggered the sixth major extinction event on earth with profound consequences for humans and other species. A scientifically literate public is necessary to find and implement approaches to prevent or slow species loss. Creating science-inspired art can increase public understanding of the current anthropogenic biodiversity crisis and help people connect emotionally to difficult concepts. In spite of the pressure to avoid advocacy and emotion, there is a rich history of scientists who make art, as well as art-science collaborations resulting in provocative work that engages public interest; however, such interdisciplinary partnerships can often be challenging to initiate and navigate. Here we explore the goals, impacts, cascading impacts, and lessons learned from art-science collaborations, as well as ideas for collaborative projects. Using three case studies based on Harrower's scientific research into species interactions, we illustrate the importance of artists as a primary audience and the potential for a combination of art and science presentations to influence public understanding and concern related to species loss.

Primary School Project Fostering Environmental Education through Art

“…A study developed by Inwood also showed an important contribution of eco-art education (Inwood, 2013). Recently, Harrower and his co-workers revealed the great potential of combining art and science to influence public understanding and concern relative to species loss (Harrower et al, 2018). In Harrower's related case, was found that art has the potential to evoke a strong emotional response that could inspire new behaviours (Harrower et al, 2018).…”

“…Recently, Harrower and his co-workers revealed the great potential of combining art and science to influence public understanding and concern relative to species loss (Harrower et al, 2018). In Harrower's related case, was found that art has the potential to evoke a strong emotional response that could inspire new behaviours (Harrower et al, 2018). Art has the possibly to influence values, belief, knowledge and the development of societies (Belfiore & Bennett, 2007).…”

The Algae Society BioArt Design Lab: Exploring Multispecies Entanglements and Making Kin with Algae

“…As part of our process, we partake in interdisciplinary research with algae and create place-based exhibitions for diverse publics aiming to shift culture towards sustainable practices. While a scientifically informed public is critical to devise solutions and implement approaches that slow environmental destruction, it is only when facts are integrated with emotional connections that people are compelled to make changes 6,7 .…”

Visualising an invisible symbiosis

“…Images of overlooked organisms also hold the potential to inspire works of art (Nai & Meyer, 2016 ), which in turn have the power to engage and connect with a broader group of society, including those less attracted to more academic‐styles of outreach. While this can be facilitated by collaboration with artists (JIC, 2020 ), many researchers have gotten creative and produced beautiful and thought‐provoking works themselves (Harrower et al., 2018 ; Wolfson, 2020 ; Figure 3c ).…”