Working with Scientists as ‘Specialist Audience’ for Arts that Address Climate Change: : Weather Engines at Onassis, Athens 2022.

Jones, Nathan (2024) Working with Scientists as ‘Specialist Audience’ for Arts that Address Climate Change: : Weather Engines at Onassis, Athens 2022. Leonardo. ISSN 0024-094X (In Press)

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Abstract

This paper explores the proposition that experience of art can contribute to scientific discourse on climate issues, especially at the convergence of physical and social sciences. Drawing from an experiment conducted during the Weather Engines exhibition in Athens (2022), it highlights how specialist audiences, notably scientists, engage with contemporary art in their specialist area. The study reveals that scientists discovered novel insights within artworks, and propose innovative interpretations of the work. A distinctive metaphorical structure played a crucial role in shaping scientists' perceptions, fostering fresh perspectives, uncovering layers of meaning ‘general audiences’ would not perceive, and showing that art can provide new trajectories for scientific exploration.