The physics of waves gives rise to music, and from that, a work of art is created: The Let’s Science! workshop at the Cartoonmuseum focusing on waves has been very well received by the schools. That is why a new edition has just been launched.
Physics is not exactly one of those school subjects you typically associate with art or comics. Yet, there have always been physicists who have also dedicated themselves to art - such as Richard Feynman or Ágnes Mócsy. Under the pseudonym Ofey, Feynman painted pictures. And he also played various percussion instruments. Mócsy focuses on art inspired by physics among other things. So, the two disciplines actually have much more in common than people realize.
Exploring the intersection of science and art is also at the heart of the Let’s Science! events, organized jointly by IBSA Foundation for scientific research and the Cartoonmuseum Basel. They aim to introduce teenagers to the many facets of science through comics and easy-to-understand information. This particular edition focused on waves, exploring the topic from various perspectives.
Viewing science through art, and art through science
Malin Widén and Ali Latif-Shushtari teamed up once again to lead the workshops.They had already worked together on the first edition dedicated to drawing music. After studying physics in Iran, Latif-Shushtari changed both his field and his country, completing his Master's degree in composition at the Bern University of the Arts. Today, he works as a composer, researcher, and lecturer. His music is also inspired by mathematical principles. He is, therefore, another physicist who is equally passionate about art.
On the other hand, artist, children's book author and art educator Malin Widén views drawing as a science in its own right. In her award-winning Master's thesis, she examined drawing scientifically as a cognitive process - an approach that can open up new pathways across many disciplines. In this way, drawing becomes a research method. This aligns perfectly with the philosophy of the Let’s Science! project, which uses comics and workshops to offer teenagers a fresh perspective on science.
Fantastic artworks in black and white
Drawing inspiration from the exhibition of José Muñoz, the two experts began by explaining the connection between comics, waves, and the drawing of music. Latif-Shushtari then delved deeper into the topic from a physics perspective, while Widén explained the artistic process.
A class of students with special cognitive needs also participated, for whom Malin Widén and Ali Latif-Shushtari adapted the workshop. The teenagers were amazed by the curious properties of waves. They then drew to the music and subsequently condensed the abstract lines into figures. This process resulted in fantastic black-and-white artworks reminiscent of Muñoz's style.
Drawing inspiration from José Muñoz’s exhibition, the two experts first explained the relationship between comics, waves, and the translation of music into drawing. Latif-Shushtari then explored the topic from a physics perspective, while Widén illustrated the artistic process.
A class of students with special cognitive needs also participated in the event, and Malin Widén and Ali Latif-Shushtari adapted the workshop for them. The students were amazed by the fascinating properties of waves; they then tried their hand at drawing to the rhythm of music, transforming abstract lines into figures. The process resulted in fantastic black-and-white works of art reminiscent of Muñoz’s style.
Comics as a tool for learning
At the end of the event, the classes were delighted to receive goodie bags from IBSA Foundation. In keeping with the waves theme, these contained a short guide on how to draw comics, as well as a German edition of the book Waves and Us from the Let's Science! series. An English edition of Waves and Us was also made available for classes focusing on the English language.
The books bring science and art together by featuring a topic-related comic with a story written by a school class, as well as easy-to-understand scientific information.
