Collaborative aspect of science-themed kinetic art
Introduction
Kinetic art is a form of artistic expression that relies on motion. Any sort of movement, action, dynamic — is a core aspect that defines kinetic art. It is also hard to overlook the scientific influence when so many aspects of an art form focus on physical processes or mechanisms of different contexts. The particular fact I’ve mentioned above is what makes kinetic art inherently tied to science and thus encourages further collaboration.
I would like to dive deeper into ways in which the collaboration is formed and structured between many actors that take part in the multifaceted phenomenon of science-themed kinetic art. To sum it all up, I’ve came up with a question that I will try to answer throughout the research;
In what way does a collaborative approach influences an artwork in case of science-related kinetic art?
A scientific aspect is also worth pointing out. I’ve specifically chosen art pieces that outright state to be related to the topic of science in one way or another. It was important so that each piece was inherently multidisciplinary to better demonstrate aspects of co-labour present in the art form.
A viewer — an actor
New flavour of immersion is added when an artist actively encourages the viewer to participate. Especially when it comes to representing concepts beyond what we tend to see in regular life — kinetic art helps us grasp the concept.
In the case of this tangible sculpture of atom by Sara Thompson the artist actively states that the atomic model is made to be handled. By combining the knwoledge of atom’s structure and scaling it up to a proper size — the sculpture provides unique sensoric experience, which could only be possible if the viewer actively interacts with an artwork.
A possibillity to reach an unreachable
A tangible atom, Sara Thompson
A tangible atom, Sara Thompson
The motion, created by human touch, is an inherit part of this art object.
Moreover, the reflexion upon scientific progress and the discovery of atom is also started exclusely by the interaction with the kinetic sculpture. Normally, we wouldn’t be able to sense something as small as protons. Yet here we are.
Natural phenomena as a collaborator
«KweeBe», Anthony Howe, 2014
Anthony Howe uses wind to create an ever-present coopeartion between human-made mechanism and natural forces
«Go Figure», Anthoy Howe, 2025
«Go Figure», Anthoy Howe, 2025
A scientific approach to constructing mechanism and exploring upon possible ways in which humans can utulize natural forces makes Anthony Howe work a very suitable example of nature as a collaborator.
The topic itself is also highly relevant in terms of energy sources search. An art piece demonstrates a possible solution in which great mechanic advancements can work in tandem with pre-existing natural phenomena to create something that could work. Notice — work without disturbing the envirnoment.
Rythm made of physics and wind
«Plume», Anthony Howe, 2025
Art pieces are made of metal, light one but solid enough to make it ever changing pace still work.
Notiecably all of these function completely on physics and wind strength — there is zero machinery in terms of fuel and/or harmful emissions. The air topic is also ever present — as it highlights how dependent we still are on natural sources. The topic of air pollution (especially important due to growing numbers of air travel) calls for positive changes in how we save and use Earth’s natural resources.
The collaboration, a tandem with our planet’s forces — is the answer.
«Plume», Anthony Howe, 2025
«Go Figure», Anthoy Howe, 2025
«Go Figure», Anthoy Howe, 2025
Scientific milestone
Science aspect of kinetic art can not only be simply present for the sake of exploration, but be a direct object of admiration.
There are art pieces that are scientific-milestones which have a very special mood and idea to them. Particularly — they usually share a topic of past and future. An artwork created alongside scientific institution to celebrate technological advancement carries a sense of statement related to reflexion upon progress that the science in the chosen area had made.
Scientific institution can encourage art by collaborating with artists to explore and expand on valuable discoveries
«Atom 1967/2018», Vyacheslav Koleichuck, 2018
«Atom 1967/2018», Vyacheslav Koleichuck, 2018
Just like that — Atom by Vyacheslav Koleichuk was made in 1967 requested by Kurchatov Institute. Original date celebrated 50th year since the Revolution — showing the long way USSR’s science had went up to this moment.
Atom is a grand installation near 13 meters high — made of numerous metallic structures, balanced together to create a floating feeling.
«Atom 1967/2018», Vyacheslav Koleichuck, 2018
Atom is made in a manner that allows to both admire its grand architecture and get closer to the history behind it.
The geometric structure creates a see-through wireframe of numerous industrial patterns. One very similar to the Tatlin’s Tower project (1920) that also celebrated Revolution. This makes the structure of atom tied to the past in its general factory-inspired material choice and industrial influence.
Tatlin’s Tower, Vladimir Tatlin, 1919-20
«Atom 1967/2018», Vyacheslav Koleichuck, 2018
Tatlin’s Tower, Vladimir Tatlin, 1919-20
Yet it also makes a statement regarding the future — as many elements such as lights and sounds are ever changing even now. That constrcuction with its futuristic elements shows the optimmistic mood, where atom is an object of admiration and artistic appreciation.
Kovalchuk’s Atom is a scientific milestone, that preserves a history of soviet science and aspires for the future of nuclear energy.
«Atom 1967/2018», Vyacheslav Koleichuck, 2018
Celebrating science — an art of scientific milestone
The Key of the Arctic by Panterra group was made in 2025 to celebrate the day of the first ever nuclear icebreaker fleet, which navigates through Northen seas.
Its placed in Murmansk, right at the port alongside ships, pointing at the sky like a beam. The installation is, just like Atom, grand and nuclear-energy-related.
The celebration of scientific progress is embodeid in the way the work is composed — it is made of numerous lights and utulizes many special effects resembling how an engine would work.
So, the showcase of atom here comes from the collaborative work between many artists and a theme of presenting scientific progress.
«POSTHUMAN ARTEFACT 003 — The Key of the Arctic», Panterra, 2025
«An artifact has been found in the Arctic ice. This object broadcasts a signal—a message of hope—from the scientists and dreamers of the future.» — installation description by Panterra
«POSTHUMAN ARTEFACT 003 — The Key of the Arctic», Panterra, 2025
Theme of ever-lasting discovery and non-stopping engine of team work
In this artwork’s case — the future is optimissitc and reachable. The description emphasizes an impact a cooperative work has in both art and scientific field.
«POSTHUMAN ARTEFACT 003 — The Key of the Arctic», Panterra, 2025
«POSTHUMAN ARTEFACT 003 — The Key of the Arctic», Panterra, 2025
«POSTHUMAN ARTEFACT 003 — The Key of the Arctic», Panterra, 2025
Conclusion
Collaboration creates unique ways of art expression, allowing for both cooperation and better understanding of scientific progress
«Atom 1967/2018», Vyacheslav Koleichuck, 2018
To sum up, the integration of science in kinetic art brings up broad collaboration opportunities that can be either purely explorative or leaning more towards philosophical reflexion.
Although by collaboration we usually assume an artist-artist way — other forms that are less obvious make a significant impact on the art piece’s perception and can completely alter our view of the subject.
Moreover, collaborative aspect of kinetic art related to science usually is at its core due to the complexity of many challenges that kinetic art tends to take. Coming together with other artists, viewers or scientific institutions — can actually provide a broader view on the subject and help strengthen its message.
Collaboration makes up for a stronger theme, better communication, thus both reflects and shapes the way people tend to percieve the subject and future of science and technology escpecially now when it has become a very familiar topic.
«POSTHUMAN ARTEFACT 003 — The Key of the Arctic», Panterra, 2025
