In an era where disciplines often seem distinct, science and art are beginning to intertwine in fascinating and innovative ways. The Lodha Genius Programme (LGP) aims to showcase how these two fields can enrich and inform each other.
Henry David Thoreau once wrote, “This world is but a canvas to our imagination,” a truth often overlooked in our mundane lives. Yet, for bright young minds, this idea comes alive —especially with guidance from visionary artists like Rohini Devasher. As an artist, Devasher merges creativity and inquiry, a blend that the Lodha Genius Program (LGP) strives to nurture in today’s youth.
LGP, a collaborative initiative between the Lodha Foundation and Ashoka University in Haryana, is designed to foster holistic education in young individuals by integrating the principles of STEAM — Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics.
This immersive campus experience invites 9th to 12th graders to engage in hands-on learning guided by experts from diverse fields, followed by a virtual Continued Learning phase that inculcates ongoing engagement and growth beyond the programme. In 2023, Devasher, a visual artist, conducted a workshop that explored the intersection of art and science through the lens of astronomy. Her goal was to showcase how these two disciplines can illuminate one another and inspire young minds to embrace both.
Devasher spends countless hours contemplating the cosmos, translating her experiences of the night sky into art. Her journey began during her college years in Delhi, where a passion for fiction and a serendipitous encounter with an amateur astronomy club sparked her dual interest in art and science. This workshop at LGP was not just about observing stars; it was about cultivating a sense of wonder and curiosity in the next generation.
Breaking the old binaries and embracing curiosity
Devasher asserts that the perceived divide between art and science is outdated. “We are the ones drawing the imaginary boundaries,” she explains. She emphasises that both fields share foundational elements: curiosity and meticulous passion. Pursuing a PhD in fine arts demands as much dedication as a doctorate in molecular biology or astrophysics.
Science and art coming together is not a modern development; their symbiotic relationship has flourished throughout our history.
Leonardo da Vinci seamlessly blended these worlds in his depictions of human anatomy, which served both scientific purposes and enriched the artistic community’s understanding of the human form. His quintessential use of light and perspective in paintings is another example. In the modern world, thousands of artists draw inspiration from science. Devasher exemplifies this synthesis, demonstrating that the pursuit of knowledge and beauty can complement each other.
“Curiosity is an active state of mind,” Devasher emphasises.
It’s essential to promote a continuous desire to learn and explore. A memorable incident from the workshop beautifully illustrates this idea. During a planned stargazing session for the LGP cohort in Delhi’s June heat, clouds obscured the moon and stars. Instead of feeling disappointed, the participants displayed an unexpected burst of creativity. They channelled their experience into poetry and plays, showcasing how curiosity can flourish even in less-than-ideal circumstances. This adaptability not only cultivates creativity but also builds resilience in the face of setbacks.
“Wonder”, the art of questioning
Devasher encourages us to embrace the art of asking questions, to thrive in both science and art. The world offers countless opportunities for inquiry; a simple stroll in a park or a thoughtful read can spark countless questions. However, the pressures of academic curricula often crumble this natural curiosity. Devasher believes that to find inspiration, we must actively seek it, transforming everyday experiences into profound learning moments. Her work, Hopeful Monsters, which showcases miraculous mutations in the environment, exemplifies this approach.
In our daily lives, we often confine ourselves within the boundaries of pre-existing knowledge, rarely questioning these limitations. How often do we truly welcome new ideas? According to Devasher, such moments are rare. We seldom seek out new concepts and imaginative possibilities. To bridge the gap of curiosity, we must embrace innovations and ideas, and have the courage to challenge existing knowledge. This mindset is crucial for supporting a culture where creativity and scientific inquiry can coexist and thrive.
Discovering the science in art
Art often adapts seamlessly to science. For instance, bio-artists like Akriti Sondhi use living organisms for their work, prompting discussions about technology, ethics and science. Their projects blur the boundaries between disciplines, emphasising the need to view art as an integral part of scientific exploration. Additionally, science communication has evolved significantly through visual methods, including illustration and demonstration. Data visualisation has emerged as a vital tool in both domains, with infographics, interactive installations, and virtual reality experiences enabling audiences to engage with scientific data in informative and impactful ways. This convergence creates vast opportunities for collaboration between scientists and artists.
Despite the emerging collaborative projects that integrate art and science, our education system still falls short in viewing art through the lens of scientific inquiry.
Devasher notes that it is primarily artists who draw inspiration from science, while the scientific community remains relatively silent on the influence of art. This one-sided relationship underscores the need for greater dialogue and collaboration between the two fields. By facilitating partnerships that encourage mutual inspiration, we can create a more dynamic and integrated approach to education and innovation.
By nurturing curiosity and creativity in young minds, initiatives like LGP are paving the way for a future where these fields coexist and enrich one another. Devasher’s work inspires a new generation to look beyond conventional boundaries, reminding us that both art and science are essential avenues for exploring the vast canvas of our imagination. As we encourage youth to question, create, and dream, we pave the way for innovations that can transform our world. In the words of Thoreau, the universe indeed becomes a canvas, waiting to be painted by the brushstrokes of curiosity.
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