The Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) holds an exhibition at the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT)'s "Information Plaza" from February 26 to March 26, 2025, under the theme of "The Fusion of Science and Art - The Evolution of SciArt". This exhibition will introduce OIST's cutting-edge efforts to combine science and art, as well as a number of interdisciplinary science projects that connect with the local community and the world.
The beauty hidden within science - art born from unexpected moments
Beautiful images and videos that are created by chance during experiments and research processes. OIST has held multiple exhibitions of works that have found artistic appeal in images taken and created for research purposes, under the title "Images of Science". Such works can appeal to people who do not necessarily have an interest in or specialist knowledge of science, and sometimes even spark an interest in science. This exhibition introduces a group of works that intersect science and art, and delivers to visitors the appeal of "SciArt," which leaves a great impression on us that cannot be achieved by either science or art alone.
OIST has also been actively practicing SciArt, such as by welcoming Sputniko! as OIST's first Visiting Artist, who is known for her works on the themes of technology, gender, and feminism, and holding an art exhibition incorporating data on seawater temperature provided by OIST's Marine Climate Change Unit. The exhibition will introduce these results and explore how science and art intersect to generate creative innovation.
Global bioconvergence - Forward-looking interdisciplinary initiatives
Another highlight of the exhibition is the "Global Bioconvergence Center of Innovation" initiative being promoted by OIST. This project was selected in 2022 by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology for its Program on Open Innovation Platform for Academia-Industry Co-Creation (COI-NEXT), and it is based on the vision of "One World, One Health" with a foundation of health for mind, body, and environment.
This exhibition will focus on the OIST Sonic Lab, a science and art project that utilizes environmental sounds, as one of the projects being carried out at the Center. The OIST Sonic Lab is working to improve people's wellbeing through environmental sounds (soundscapes) recorded in various locations in Okinawa, and visitors will be able to experience how artists and scientists are working together to create new inspiration through sound.
From Okinawa to the world - Fusing local resources and internationality
OIST aims to realize a sustainable future society by making the most of its regional characteristics, while also taking advantage of its cutting-edge, interdisciplinary, and international nature. This exhibition will give you a first-hand look at OIST's initiatives, which are being developed against the backdrop of Okinawa's unique environment and culture. We hope that you will take this opportunity to see OIST's vision and specific projects, and feel the potential for future collaboration.
Exhibition Overview
• Exhibition period: Wednesday, February 26, 2025 - Wednesday, March 26, 2025
• Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 10:00 - 18:00 (last entry at 17:30) *Closed on weekends and public holidays
• Venue: MEXT New Building (East Wing) 2nd Floor Entrance (free admission)
• Main exhibits:
About MEXT Information Plaza
https://www.mext.go.jp/joho-hiroba/index.htm(external link)
