Discipline Hopping for Environmental Solutions: An Art-Science Collaboration

Abstract

The two disciplines of art and science have long been identified as separate research fields, often presumed as adopting strikingly different working practices. It can be considered however, that notions of process, experimentation, attention to detail, rigour and curiosity are all commonly shared components. The sharing of ideas and methodologies between artists and scientists have allowed for significant insights, innovation, and research engagement. Air pollution is an invisible killer, with much of the world's population breathing polluted air every day without being able to see it. The visualisation of air pollution is therefore of great importance for public understanding and motivation to improve air quality policies. This paper will uncover what an art-science collaboration can bring to both creative and academic research of air pollution and why interdisciplinary practice should be encouraged. Additionally, we can consider how effective an art and science hybrid is for engaging and affecting audiences.