During the Renaissance, art and science were deeply intertwined, with no clear distinction between the two disciplines. Leonardo da Vinci personified this integration, making significant contributions in fields such as anatomy, engineering and optics, as well as creating some of the most iconic works of art in history. He considered painting to be a science, basing his art on a deep understanding of nature and the laws that govern it. His anatomical studies not only improved the accuracy of his artistic representations, but also contributed valuable knowledge to the field of medicine. This integrative perspective allowed him to approach problems from multiple angles, generating innovative solutions that still inspire us today
And the fact is that there are many humanists who have combined art and science in their work in an outstanding way. An interesting example is Samuel Morse, who, as well as being a talented painter, invented the telegraph and developed Morse code, fusing his artistic skills with scientific innovations in the field of communications.
Another case is that of the Spaniard Santiago Ramón y Cajal, considered the father of modern neuroscience. His detailed drawings of neuronal structures not only contributed to scientific knowledge, but are also valued for their artistic quality.
These examples illustrate how, over time, the integration of art and science has enabled significant advances in various disciplines.
Today, collaboration between art and science is a reality
A prominent example is the STARTS (Science + Technology + Arts) initiative, funded by the European Commission, which promotes interdisciplinary collaboration to foster innovation. Programmes such as VERTIGO have supported residencies that integrate art and science, facilitating the creation of projects that address current issues from novel perspectives.
In the artistic sphere, the British collective Marshmallow Laser Feast has developed works that explore the intersection between technology, art and nature. Their installation ‘In the Eyes of the Animal’ allows spectators to experience the forest from the perspective of various creatures, combining virtual reality and scientific data to offer a unique vision of the ecosystem.
Another example is the work of ecological artist Xavier Cortada, who collaborates with scientists to create works that address climate change. His project ‘The Underwater’ uses art to raise awareness of rising sea levels and their consequences, demonstrating how art can be a powerful tool for communicating and confronting environmental challenges.
We can also mention the Surf & Nature Alliance, a non-profit organisation dedicated to the conservation of the marine environment, with an approach that integrates science and culture. Through educational programmes and cultural studies, they promote ocean literacy, helping society to understand the mutual influence between the ocean and humanity. Its interdisciplinary approach combines scientific research with cultural initiatives, fostering a holistic understanding of the marine environment. Its project ‘Blue Surfing Reserves’ is a project for the declaration and sustainable development of the Laredo surfing reserve in Cantabria, which includes diagnosis, a management proposal, sustainability programmes and educational programmes on ocean culture for the municipality’s schools…
At the moment, the project for the ‘From 0 to Vinson’ Antarctic 2026 expedition is in the pipeline, which aims to reach the summit of Mount Vinson, the highest mountain in Antarctica, starting from Berkner Island and travelling more than 800 kilometres. In addition to the sporting challenge, the team will collect ice and snow samples to analyse the presence of micro- and nanoplastics on the continent. This project will combine adventure and environmental research and will be documented audiovisually to raise awareness about pollution in remote regions.
A fusion of art, science and technology at the Espacio Fundación Telefónica
‘Echoes of the Ocean’ is an innovative project that combines art, science and technology to explore the importance of sound in marine life and can be enjoyed at the Espacio Fundación Telefónica until 7 September 2025.
The exhibition is the result of a collaboration between the Marshmallow Laser Feast art collective and the Laboratory of Bioacoustic Applications at the Polytechnic University of Catalonia, with the aim of raising awareness about the sustainability of the oceans and the impact of noise pollution on cetaceans.
At the heart of the exhibition is Seeing Echoes in the Mind of the Whale, a spectacular twelve-screen audiovisual installation that recreates the way cetaceans perceive the world through sound. Using artificial intelligence and digitally generated images, this piece immerses the visitor in the sensory experience of species such as dolphins and whales, highlighting the fundamental role of bioacoustics in the study and conservation of these animals.
The tour begins with the Meditation Room, a space where the public is guided through the sounds and vibrations of various marine species, inviting them to synchronise their breathing with the rhythms of the ocean. Then, it enters the Temple of Plankton, a sculptural and light installation composed of 200 pieces of blown glass that evoke the vertical migration of these tiny organisms essential for marine life and the production of oxygen on Earth.
In addition to the art installations, the exhibition includes two rooms dedicated to the science of underwater sound. The Science of Listening displays tools such as hydrophone buoys that allow the sounds of whales and dolphins in different oceans around the world to be captured. On the other hand, Stories of Deep Sound traces a historical journey through bioacoustics, from its origins in the Cold War to current research with drones, satellites and artificial intelligence, which have revolutionised the way we study marine life.
‘Echoes of the Ocean’ not only seeks to dazzle with its artistic and technological proposal, but also to raise awareness of the urgent need to protect the oceans and the biodiversity that depends on them.
Conclusions
In summary, the collaboration between art and science not only enriches both disciplines, but also offers new perspectives and solutions to the challenges we face as a society. ‘Echoes of the Ocean’ is a tangible example of how this synergy can generate profound and transformative experiences, inviting us to connect emotionally and intellectually with the natural world.
