Introducing a new series in the peer-reviewed online journal w/k – Between Science and Art
This series is dedicated to the study of art forms that use images in a particular order and/or illustration to tell visual stories about science (or) for the purpose of communicating science. In this series we unpack the artistic concepts of professional visual artists and (their) projects, and how they explore and communicate science and scientific research through various forms of sequential art – through science-based comic art, graphic science, (fictional) science comics, AR comics and related forms – as well as through visual media revolving around the science-art interface (e.g. science magazines) that include science illustrations and engage in illustrated science communication. By by better understanding the many fascinating artistic concepts as they unravel in and across this series, we clarify the range and power of scientific storytelling techniques developed and applied by visual artists – also referred to as pictorial storytelling, picto-narrative, narrative illustration – and the ways in which they communicate scientific research and convey meanings of science.
How to cite this article
Anna-Sophie Jürgens & Crystal-Leigh Clitheroe (2024): “Visual Science Storytelling, Sequential Art & Illustrated Science Communication: Introducing a New Series.” w/k–Between Science & Art. https://doi.org/10.55597/e9741
Matteo Farinella: Illustrated Science Communication & Visual Science Storytelling
Professional visual artists and cartoonists can produce detailed graphic narratives that deliver scientific insights, messages and meanings in a relatable way to a wide range of audiences. Nowhere is this more evident than the increasing use of comics material in science communication in every field. In our first interview of this series, we ‘pick the brain’ of visual artist, passionate neuroscientist and science communicator, Dr Matteo Farinella. Matteo’s career as a science artisan and cartoonist began when he connected the visual study notes and diagrams he created to help him understand his studies with his passion for drawing, and points out how comics he read as a child likely influenced his approach to both. He emphasises that science communication is the core of the creation of his educational comics and information-rich visuals, but he also completely embraces the undefined, informal nature of the comics medium to do this effectively. Exquisitely-detailed illustrations and warm visual narratives throughout this interview are testament to his extraordinary technical skill.
How to cite this article
Anna-Sophie Jürgens & Crystal-Leigh Clitheroe (2024): “Matteo Farinella: Illustrated Science Communication & Visual Science Storytelling.” w/k–Between Science & Art. https://doi.org/10.55597/e9752
