Liquid Journal of Complex Systems

Article #10, version 22 March 2012, state: Liquid turbulent

Art in the Science of Complex Systems

Authors: Karen Cham and Jeffrey Johnson

Abstract

We ask what contribution can art make to the science of complex systems, and whether art can become part of the scientific process. An example is given where art becomes a powerful instrument for data collection, enabling subjects to provide information on their social systems that cannot be elicited using other methods. There are many similarities between art and science, especially in their common concern with representing objects and ideas, and finding new ways of thinking about things. We discuss art in the context of the conflicting modes of thought: discovering truths about systems from the outside or creating narratives and telling stories about systems from the inside. We report on experiments generating artworks to explore the interaction between complex systems science and art. In this context we make a series of predictions to investigate the inside-outside dichotomy. Our conclusion is that art can contribute to science and it can play a powerful part in the science of complex systems.

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Received: 22 March 2012 | Updated: 22 March 2012 | Liquid turbulent since: 22 March 2012

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