Art and Science

Where artistic practice meets scientific materials, technology and investigation. Exhibition reports and specialist articles explore living materials, light, conservation and technical examination, alongside the ways artists and researchers describe perception, evidence and creative experimentation.

AV17 Gallery Brings Žilvinas Kempinas to Artissima 2026, Presenting a Lithuanian Perspective on Movement, Perception and Space

ALAYA by Žilvinas Kempinas: a circular web of fine pale lines on black, shown on an AV17 Gallery Artissima poster.

This autumn, (AV17) Gallery, Vilnius, brings the work of internationally acclaimed Lithuanian artist Žilvinas Kempinas to Artissima 2026, one of Italy’s leading contemporary art fairs. The presentation will explore Kempinas’ distinctive approach to movement, perception, light and space, transforming familiar materials and physical forces into dynamic, often unexpectedly immersive visual experiences.

The Glowing Cathedral: Where Bacteria, Invisible Ink and Light Become Scripture

Blue-white light trails arc across a plaza before a monument illuminated in green at night, from Heliografías de la memoria.

Step inside a centuries-old church where the walls glow, breathe, and transform before your eyes. In Inscriptions, Mexican artist Said Dokins turns sacred architecture into a living laboratory, blending invisible ink, bioluminescent pigments, and colonies of bacteria to question how memory, power, and presence are written into the urban landscape. Each piece—whether a luminous photograph traced in darkness or a petri dish of living microorganisms—invites viewers to witness writing as a biological and political act. In this fusion of art, science, and resistance, the city’s erased histories pulse back to life beneath the light.

Eliana P. Gómez: Unveiling Hidden Histories in Art and Sacred Relics

Face detail of the Holy Shroud rendered in blue, turquoise and yellow, with pale markings.

Through meticulous research and a multidisciplinary approach, Eliana P. Gómez examines hidden details in Leonardo da Vinci’s works and the Holy Shroud of Christ. Her studies reveal subtle inscriptions, historical connections, and symbolic elements that offer new perspectives on some of history’s most iconic artifacts. This exploration invites readers to consider how art, history, and scholarship converge to uncover long-overlooked traces of the past.

Simonetta Vespucci Restores the Identity of Botticelli’s Lost Altarpiece

Detail of the San Leo Altarpiece

After more than four years of meticulous restoration, a long-overlooked Renaissance altarpiece has reemerged in stunning detail—now believed by experts to be the work of none other than Sandro Botticelli. Hidden beneath centuries of retouching and misattribution, the Madonna Enthroned with Child among Saints from San Leo is captivating art historians with its unmistakable style and mysterious past. One scholar even suggests the flanking saints may once have been portraits of Pico della Mirandola and Poliziano. The full story uncovers how this masterpiece journeyed through time, hands, and ideologies—only to be seen anew today.

The Nuances of Restoration and Conservation of Gold Artifacts

Two conservators in white coats working on a large gilded cross beneath a magnifying lamp.

Gold artifacts hold a timeless allure, blending exquisite craftsmanship with deep historical significance. Yet, preserving these treasures is no simple task—delicate gilded layers, centuries-old alloys, and hidden structural weaknesses pose challenges that demand both scientific precision and artistic sensitivity. How do experts restore and protect these fragile masterpieces without compromising their authenticity? Discover the fascinating world of gold conservation, where cutting-edge technology meets ancient artistry to safeguard history’s most dazzling legacies.

The Consequences of Overpainting in Icons and Works of Art

Conservator working with fine tools on the blue and gold surface of an icon.

Beneath the layers of vibrant paint and gilded halos on historical icons lies a silent tragedy—centuries of overpainting have distorted their authenticity, erasing delicate details and obscuring the original artist’s intent. Often done by untrained hands under the guise of “restoration,” these interventions can do more harm than good, leaving behind a counterfeit version of history. How can we uncover the truth hidden beneath these layers, and what risks are involved in reversing the damage? Explore the delicate balance between preservation and destruction in the art world’s most challenging dilemma.

Xiaodong Ma: Tackling Social Issues Through Visual Art

A BLANK by Xiaodong Ma: a pink sky-filled deer silhouette beside railway tracks beneath a bridge in a black-and-white photograph.

Art has the power to transcend words, evoke emotions, and ignite critical conversations. For Chicago-based artist and designer Xiaodong Ma, this transformative power is the driving force behind his work. Through visual art, Xiaodong tackles pressing societal and environmental challenges, seamlessly bridging the gap between creativity and advocacy. His passion lies in exploring the intricate relationships between humanity, nature, sustainability, and consumption. Xiaodong channels these themes into thought-provoking projects that push the boundaries of artistic expression. In this article, we delve into three of his most impactful social critique projects—A BLANK, 2e-, and Repairing Society—each a testament to his commitment to using art as a catalyst for meaningful change.

“Sovrimpressioni” A Photographic Project by Andrea Boyer

“Sovrimpressioni” A Photographic Project by Andrea Boyer: layered views of a brown building with projecting glass sections.

Photographer Andrea Boyer’s ‘Sovrimpressioni’ project is part of a contemporary artistic context in which the intersection of science and art generates new visual narratives. Inspired by Feynman’s equation, which suggests the existence of a multiverse of possibilities and reality as a sum of potential states, Boyer develops a form of photographic decomposition that not only represents the visible world, but also sets out to explore the multiple layers of meaning and the intrinsic potential of each subject.

State of Iranian Digital Art: Platform 101 Held the Largest Video Art Exhibition in Iran’s History

Silhouetted visitor wearing headphones before a black-and-white video projection at Geometry of Creation.

Platform 101, an independent, non-profit institution dedicated to nurturing and showcasing emerging digital artists in Iran, made a profound impact on the country’s digital art scene with its exhibition, Vol. 04: “Geometry of Creation: Analysis of Anti-Rhythmic Structures,” held at E1 Art Gallery. This groundbreaking event became the largest video art exhibition in Iran’s history, featuring works from 44 artists—23 from Iran and 21 from abroad—representing 12 countries. Curated by Mohammad Ali Famori, founder of Platform 101, and renowned art researcher Ramin Saeidian, the exhibition ran until October 11, 2024.

Art and Science of Conservation and Restoration

Venizelos G. Gavrilakis examining a Roberto Crippa painting through a microscope.

Artwork conservation and restoration is a scientific field that necessitates a clear understanding of the term “conservation and restoration” and its purpose. This understanding helps us recognize its necessity and the significant contributions it makes to cultural, social, artistic, and historical spheres. It underscores the imperative need for the conservation and restoration of each work of art.