Introduction
Faced with the climate emergency and environmental challenges, the ecological transition has become a priority for many societies around the world. While science plays a central role in providing technological solutions and data to better understand the degradation of our planet, art, for its part, offers a unique way to raise awareness and touch the public's emotions. By combining creativity and scientific rigor, artists and researchers work together to raise awareness and encourage concrete actions in favor of the environment. Here is how art and science complement each other to become real drivers of the ecological transition.
1. Science to understand, art to feel
Science allows us to understand the complex mechanisms that govern the climate, ecosystems and cycles of nature. It produces essential data on global warming, biodiversity loss or ocean pollution. But this information, although crucial, can remain abstract for the general public. This is where art comes in, by making environmental issues visible and tangible through visual and immersive works.
For example, Danish-Icelandic artist Olafur Eliasson uses science to create installations that mimic natural phenomena, such as in his work Ice Watch . By placing blocks of ice from the Greenland ice shelf in the heart of Paris and London, Eliasson invites passersby to see and touch the melting ice, symbolizing the melting of glaciers due to global warming. This collaboration between art and science transforms scientific data about the climate into a powerful emotional experience, making the climate crisis more tangible for the public.
2. Collaborations for innovative ecological projects
The alliance between art and science also gives rise to innovative projects that explore new ways to protect the environment. Many artists work closely with scientists to design works that integrate technological solutions or concepts from research. These initiatives help to create bridges between the two worlds and propose original approaches for the ecological transition.
British sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor’s Coral Restoration Sculpture project is a striking example of this synergy. His underwater sculptures, made of durable, porous materials, are designed to promote coral colonization and the regeneration of damaged reefs. By collaborating with marine biologists, Taylor creates works that combine aesthetics with ecological restoration, transforming art into a direct tool for conservation. These artificial reefs not only contribute to marine biodiversity, but also offer visitors an immersive experience that raises awareness of the fragility of marine ecosystems.
3. Art and science to mobilize the general public
Exhibitions and art installations focusing on ecological themes have become effective platforms for raising public awareness and encouraging action. By combining scientific research results with artistic creativity, these events provide a space for dialogue and reflection on the solutions to be implemented for a successful ecological transition. They make it possible to reach a variety of audiences, from art lovers to science enthusiasts, and to create a collective movement around environmental issues.
The Living Pavilion project in Melbourne, Australia, brought together artists, scientists and local communities to create a temporary public space designed with local plants and art installations. The project aimed to promote urban biodiversity and reconnect people with their natural environment. Through talks, art performances and workshops, visitors were able to learn about the scientists’ solutions while exploring the nature-inspired artworks. This type of collaboration shows how art and science can work hand in hand to raise awareness of the ecological transition and mobilize citizens.
Conclusion
The alliance between art and science represents a formidable lever for the ecological transition. Science provides the knowledge and technological solutions needed to better understand and protect our planet, while art manages to make these issues accessible and engaging for the public. Together, artists and researchers create experiences that raise awareness, inspire and mobilize in favor of environmental preservation. Through their joint projects, they remind us that the ecological transition will not happen without a creative vision and collective commitment. By joining forces, art and science show that it is possible to build a more sustainable and harmonious future.
Artistic inspirations:
Olafur Eliasson : Artist whose immersive works like Ice Watch make the effects of global warming tangible, using an approach that blends art and science to raise awareness.
Jason deCaires Taylor : British sculptor who creates artificial reefs from submerged sculptures, working with marine biologists to restore the biodiversity of marine ecosystems.
The Living Pavilion : A collaborative project in Melbourne bringing together artists and scientists to promote urban biodiversity, offering an immersive and educational experience for visitors.
