Scientists as “Specialist Audience” for Art that Addresses Climate Change : <i>Weather Engines</i> at Onassis, Athens, 2022

Jones, Nathan and Dragona, Daphne (2024) Scientists as “Specialist Audience” for Art that Addresses Climate Change : <i>Weather Engines</i> at Onassis, Athens, 2022. Leonardo. pp. 6-13. ISSN 0024-094X

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Abstract

This paper explores the proposition that experiencing 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 area of specialty, treating the artworks as “research environments” or “discursive spaces” where they can combine their thinking with other scholars. The study prompted scientists to discover 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 and uncovering layers of meaning that “general audiences” would not perceive. The authors show how insights from this experiment could inform collaborative initiatives to enhance scientists’ ability to tap into the value of contemporary art, particularly regarding climate issues.