Stories, Not Atoms: Abstraction and Aesthetics in Science Media

Abstract:

For the purposes of communicating complex subjects, stories are more important than atoms. The challenge for science communicators, or in this case artists who derive inspiration from scientific subjects, is that stories do not press themselves on our senses the same way that atoms do.

We practically breath data these days. We swim in it; it’s everywhere. Merely naming things does not constitute relevant scientific data, but it does describe the world. We name things to keep track of what’s what, which in turn gives us frames of reference so we can categorize and organize information. Data without context is just information. Only with reference and context does it begin to take on meaning. By themselves atoms may catch our attention, but what communicates more than passing interest—what provokes an emotional resonance for an audience—are engaging ways we can categorize and organize those atoms— or those data. Story, therefore, becomes more relevant than the stuff enumerated inside its structure.

It doesn't matter how rigorous and accurate facts may be those facts can’t directly engage an audience in a meaningful way. Information must stick to non-expert audiences, and it’s up to a presenter to make that happen. It is always up to the presenter—it’s not up to the data by itself. For better or worse, the quality of scientific work is not what makes a non-expert audience care about its value. What matters most to a non-expert audience is the way that science reaches them conceptually and emotionally. The importance of science to people who are not scientists relies on other criteria to capture attention and impart value. This is why dubious ideas can sometimes gain so much traction in the culture, exasperating thought that may be.

In this presentation, I will discuss various ways that art and science can be in intellectual dialogue, both as a means for specifically communicating scientific work, but also for engaging audiences in ways of thinking that may be provocative, constructive, engaging, and new.