Art and Science: Confronting the Need for Explication

My essay traverses the way in which contemporary artists are utilizing scientific innovation to assess philosophical concepts regarding our current and future states of being. The endeavors of these artists are not only interdisciplinary, but are also dualistic in nature, since artists are capable in performing the roles of both creators and educators. Thus contemporary artists are actively appropriating scientific and technological research, ideas and materials, which enables them to produce artworks that can reach a wider and more diverse public than would have been possible had the work remained solely scientifically inclined. The significance of dualism in shaping the identity of an artist was scholarly explored through an analysis of the roles of artists working traditionally, contemporarily and futuristically. This research was informed by an interest in transhumanism (humanity in transition from one state of being to another) and posthumanism (the proposed next stage of humanity beyond our current state). Though both philosophical terms are critically considered by artists within contemporary art, these terms are also highly theoretical and therefore relatively inaccessible to the average Western citizen. Such notions function under the pretext of moderate elitism, much in the way that contemporary scientific and technological innovations operate above and beyond the general public’s awareness. My scholarly inquiry resulted in an informed recognition of the need for scientific, technological and philosophical explication to a general public that craves knowledge and accessibility. This desire is met with great passion and innovation by artists with dual roles as creators and educators