Illustrating the Point: Where Science meets Art
by: Victoria Nwosu-Hope | 12 December 2009
It seems rather incongruous that in a world of such sophisticated means of communication, we often suffer from a distinct lack of listeners. Getting a point across can prove to be the most difficult and frustrating task, and the messages we so adamantly attempt to impress habitually fall upon deaf ears. Sometimes, words are not enough.
‘A Lost Cause?’ – Dr Mattoni and Biodiversity
Dr Rudi Mattoni has come to realise this. He is the president of the Lepidoptera Research Foundation, an organisation established in 1962, with the objective of freely disseminating knowledge about the biology of butterflies and moths, and their significance in terms of environmental issues. As he paces back and forth in the small space of a downtown Buenos Aires art gallery in preparation for his next seminar, he is clearly exasperated.
“I can’t think of what else to do. We have a crisis on our hands, and we just can’t get through to people.” The crisis to which he is referring is the deplorable collapse of biodiversity, a major consequence of the environmental degradation imposed on the planet by man. The issue is particularly poignant here, given the rapid rate of deforestation in Argentina, which is one of the world’s 25 most biodiverse countries.
“Science has failed to communicate the significance of this to the public – in spite of overwhelming documentation – because almost all information is buried in boring reports and statistics.” In a last stand to make his cause heard, Dr Mattoni has turned to an entirely different approach: art.
The Butterfly Effect
On 18th November 2009, Dr Mattoni, alongside the Fundación Alon para los Artes, embarked upon the project: ‘Pobre Mariposa: Ahora la vemos, ahora no’ (Poor butterfly: Now you see it, now you don`t). Using the butterfly as a powerful metaphor for the fragility of the earth, it is through the works of a selection of ten high-profile, Argentine contemporary artists that he intends to communicate his message. At the heart of the project is the creed of British art critic, novelist, painter and humanist, John Berger, who asserted that: “Seeing comes before words.”
"I believe that art is more accessible than scientific jargon. Where conservation issues have failed to reach the general public, perhaps I will be able to gain better access to more people via the appeal of artistic expression". ‘Pobre Mariposa’ is a collaboration of art and science. Set to the backdrop of living and graphic butterfly displays, using Buenos Aires species as biological examples, Dr Mattoni inaugurated the exhibition with an in-depth seminar, aimed to acquaint his audience with the grave issue at hand.
The exhibition is beautiful. Showcasing photography, sculpture and paintings by well-established artists, such as Luis Benedit and León Ferrari, it is fascinating to learn that each piece was the result of the creator’s own sentiments towards butterflies. Nothing was produced specifically for this project, and Micaela Patania, curator of the Fundación, compiled the collection based on what she felt would best vivify the ideas behind Dr Mattoni’s seminar
Sculpture by León Ferrari
Reflection and Representation
She explains that the idea of combining science and art was a shared aspiration: “Both Dr Mattoni and I believed that, although completely different, artistic expression and scientific theory must be inexorably linked.” At the core of the project is a notion of reflection and representation. Where scientific principles or global issues provide a stimulus for artistic production, artists may employ their craft to represent the state of the world around them. Simultaneously, the art itself serves as an illustrative trigger, encouraging the viewer to reflect on the world presented, without requiring a high level of scientific education or understanding.
When asked about whether they envisage the project being successful, both organisers are cautiously optimistic. Dr Mattoni sighs, “I certainly hope so, because honestly, we are helpless. I think it’s a tragedy. It’s staggering how many species of butterfly are being destroyed in Latin America. They’re irreplaceable, and no-one`s putting any money into the documentation of biodiversity, so who`s going to consider saving them? Butterflies don’t have any money.”
Fleeting Interest
Certainly, if the objective of ‘Pobre Mariposa’ is to provoke monetary donations to the conservation cause, the invitees were well-selected. The seminar was attended by an affluent crowd of art-savvy expats. However, although clearly impressed by the exhibition, it is debatable whether the urgency of the biodiversity crisis was truly conveyed. The post-seminar Q&A was dominated by inquiries into the different shapes, sizes and colours of Argentine butterflies. Despite the fact that the presentation was to centre on the destruction of the natural world, this wasn’t broached until two hours into the lecture, by which point audience interest was most definitely waning.
Dr Mattoni closed his presentation with the resonating words: “Poor butterfly, poor humanity.” Although ominous, after three hours of complex, scientific detail, they seemed nothing more than a precarious attempt to rekindle the intended essence of the project. Throughout, the art and science of `Pobre Mariposa’ remained conspicuously separate entities. In principle, the concept of amalgamating the two is an honourable one. However, two monologues do not make a dialogue.
Photo: Fundación Alon
Featured painting by Silvana Blasbalg
Nonetheless, as he continues the feat of ‘getting his point across’, perhaps he does so in a society where the more elaborate our modes of communication, the less we seem to communicate.
The ‘Pobre Mariposa’ art exhibition will be running until March 2010 at the Fundación Alon para las Artes, Viamonte 1465, piso 10. Entrance is free. For more information, visit www.pobremariposa.blogspot.com.
‘Medicina y Arte’: Poeticising science
‘Pobre Mariposa’ is not the first innitiative of its kind. Exactly 20 years before its conception, another interdisciplinary project was established in Rosario, combining artistic expression with scientific theory.
‘Medicina y Arte’ was set up by Stella Maris Angel Villegas. It is a centre of study and investigation which questions orthodox or dogmatic modes of thought, prefering to adhere to a ‘philosophy of complexity’
Ms Villegas conducts virtual classes and seminars via the internet, and maintains that, “in this way, discussing and understanding science can be made more accessible, because I welcome a fresh view on subjects from people who are not specialists or experts”.
The project has gone from strength to strength since it`s beginnings in 1989, as it “promotes an open mind, in an open format”. By consulting the work of great artists, writers and philosophers, ‘Medicina y Arte’ primarily provides scope to explore new ways of dealing with the ethical issues surrounding modern medicine.
‘Medicina y Arte’ also hold live seminars and lectures in cultural centres and university faculties around Argentina. For more information on this school of hybrid thought, visit
www.medicinayarte.com.
