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Friday, June 13th, 1-2:00 pm – da Vinci’s Sfumato: The Art of Blending and Ambiguity
Friday, June 13, 2025 – 1 to 2pm EST
daVinci Art Science Roundtable –
da Vinci’s Sfumato: The Art of Blending and Ambiguity
daVinci Art Science Roundtable
The daVinci art science roundtables are a facilitated monthly series of exploratory discussions for artists and scientists to talk about the culture of their two fields and how they might collaborate more meaningfully. Ultimately, the discussions also explore how collaborations intersect with public understanding of science. The roundtables began with the basic assumptions that discussion between the artists and scientists had the potential to create new knowledge and ideas that would be of interest to the participants and eventually to the public as well.
Join us for an intriguing roundtable discussion centered on Leonardo da Vinci’s innovative technique of sfumato, a method renowned for its subtle gradations of tone and color that create soft transitions and a sense of depth in painting. This session will explore how sfumato reflects da Vinci’s broader approach to art and science, emphasizing complexity, nuance, and the interplay between light and shadow.
We will examine the technical aspects of sfumato and its application in masterpieces such as the Mona Lisa and Virgin of the Rocks. The discussion will highlight how this technique allowed da Vinci to evoke mood and emotion while capturing the intricacies of human expression and the natural environment.
Moreover, the roundtable will delve into the philosophical implications of sfumato, considering how its embrace of ambiguity and complexity mirrors the uncertainties found in scientific inquiry. Participants will discuss how conditions of ambiguity can foster creativity and innovation across both artistic and scientific fields.
Attendees will be encouraged to engage with one another and share their insights on how the principles of sfumato can inform contemporary practices in art and science, emphasizing the value of blending perspectives to enhance understanding.
Join us as we celebrate Leonardo da Vinci’s mastery of sfumato and explore the profound connections between art and science, inviting deeper reflection on the beauty of ambiguity and the richness of human perception.
Join us for this free event on Friday, June 13, 2025, from 1pm to 2pm EST.
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Friday, May 9th, 1-2:00 pm – da Vinci’s Sensazione: The Power of Perception
Friday, May 9, 2025 – 1 to 2pm EST
daVinci Art Science Roundtable –
da Vinci’s Sensazione: The Power of Perception
daVinci Art Science Roundtable
The daVinci art science roundtables are a facilitated monthly series of exploratory discussions for artists and scientists to talk about the culture of their two fields and how they might collaborate more meaningfully. Ultimately, the discussions also explore how collaborations intersect with public understanding of science. The roundtables began with the basic assumptions that discussion between the artists and scientists had the potential to create new knowledge and ideas that would be of interest to the participants and eventually to the public as well.
We invite you to participate in a compelling roundtable discussion exploring Leonardo da Vinci’s concept of sensazione, which emphasizes the significance of sensory experience and perception in the creation of art and scientific understanding. This session will delve into how da Vinci harnessed the power of the senses to inform his artistic representations and his scientific inquiries, ultimately shaping a more profound comprehension of the world around him.
We will examine how sensazione influenced da Vinci’s techniques in painting—such as the use of color, texture, and light—as well as his meticulous observations of the natural world. The discussion will highlight how da Vinci’s emphasis on sensory experience enriched his work, leading to more realistic and emotionally resonant art, while also grounding his scientific explorations in firsthand observations.
Attendees will be encouraged to engage in discussions about the role of perception in their own fields and how a greater awareness of sensory experiences can inform creative and scientific practices today. The roundtable will explore the interplay between art and science, seeking to uncover how both disciplines can benefit from an enhanced understanding of human perception.
Join us in celebrating Leonardo da Vinci’s legacy of sensazione and exploring the vital role that sensory experience plays in enriching our understanding of both the artistic and scientific realms.
Join us for this free event on Friday, May 9, 2025, from 1pm to 2pm EST.
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Friday, April 11th, 1-2:00 pm – da Vinci’s Dimostrazione: The Pursuit of Empirical Evidence
Friday, April 11, 2025 – 1 to 2pm EST
daVinci Art Science Roundtable –
da Vinci’s Dimostrazione: The Pursuit of Empirical Evidence
daVinci Art Science Roundtable
The daVinci art science roundtables are a facilitated monthly series of exploratory discussions for artists and scientists to talk about the culture of their two fields and how they might collaborate more meaningfully. Ultimately, the discussions also explore how collaborations intersect with public understanding of science. The roundtables began with the basic assumptions that discussion between the artists and scientists had the potential to create new knowledge and ideas that would be of interest to the participants and eventually to the public as well.
Join us for a thought-provoking roundtable discussion focused on Leonardo da Vinci’s principle of dimostrazione, which emphasizes the importance of empirical evidence and experimentation in the pursuit of knowledge. This session will explore how da Vinci applied this concept to both his artistic methods and scientific inquiries, fostering a culture of observation and hands-on exploration.
We will analyze how dimostrazione informed da Vinci’s approach to understanding the natural world, from his detailed studies of light and shadow in painting to his pioneering investigations in anatomy and mechanics. We will discuss key examples of his work, such as his anatomical drawings, which reflect a commitment to rigorous observation and direct experimentation.
The roundtable will also consider the relevance of dimostrazione in today’s interdisciplinary landscape, emphasizing how a commitment to empirical methods can enhance creativity and innovation in both the arts and sciences. Attendees will be encouraged to engage with one another and share their own experiences and perspectives on applying empirical thinking in their fields.
Join us as we celebrate Leonardo da Vinci’s legacy of dimostrazione and explore how his dedication to evidence-based knowledge continues to inspire and guide contemporary practitioners in both art and science.
Join us for this free event on Friday, April 11, 2025, from 1pm to 2pm EST.
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Friday, March 14th, 1-2:00 pm – da Vinci’s Curiosità: The Quest for Knowledge
Friday, March 14, 2025 – 1 to 2pm EST
daVinci Art Science Roundtable –
da Vinci’s Curiosità: The Quest for Knowledge
daVinci Art Science Roundtable
The daVinci art science roundtables are a facilitated monthly series of exploratory discussions for artists and scientists to talk about the culture of their two fields and how they might collaborate more meaningfully. Ultimately, the discussions also explore how collaborations intersect with public understanding of science. The roundtables began with the basic assumptions that discussion between the artists and scientists had the potential to create new knowledge and ideas that would be of interest to the participants and eventually to the public as well.
We invite you to an enlightening roundtable discussion centered on Leonardo da Vinci’s concept of “curiosità,” his insatiable curiosity and profound desire to understand the world around him. This session will explore how this defining trait not only propelled da Vinci’s artistic accomplishments but also paved the way for his revolutionary scientific discoveries.
Experts from the fields of art history, cognitive science, and philosophy have dissected how da Vinci’s relentless questioning and observational skills transformed his work, leading to innovative approaches in painting, anatomy, engineering, and natural philosophy. Attendees will gain insights into how da Vinci’s curiosity manifested in various projects, from anatomically precise sketches to designs for flying machines, and how this mindset can inspire today’s interdisciplinary practices.
The discussion will also reflect on the broader implications of curiosità, examining how it encourages creativity, critical thinking, and a lifelong passion for learning. Attendees are encouraged to engage in the dialogue, sharing their thoughts on how embracing curiosity can enhance both artistic expression and scientific inquiry in the modern world.
Join us in celebrating the spirit of curiosity that defined Leonardo da Vinci and explore how his legacy continues to inspire contemporary exploration and innovation across disciplines.
Join us for this free event on Friday, March 14, 2025, from 1pm to 2pm EST.
References and Readings:
https://curiositateaching.com/author/curiosita/
https://hbr.org/2018/09/the-business-case-for-curiosity
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