Vyzov Sophiko with Zelfira Tregulova and Andrey Reznichenko

Why are blank spots in science more important than confirmed hypotheses? Can you understand art by relying on intuition? And how can a scientific approach be useful in everyday life? In the new episode of Vyzov Sophiko, these questions were explored by Andrey Reznichenko, Head of the TASS Science Desk and a member of the VYZOV Prize Scientific Committee, and Zelfira Tregulova, an art historian and curator of international exhibition projects. The filming took place at the Noôdome space.

Andrey Reznichenko believes that science deserves no less admiration than works of art. In his view, these two ‘worlds’ have more in common than differences: “To me, science is the art of discovering the world, of finding and creating something new, a drive toward something interesting. And for some, art is a whole science in itself. I think these are two worlds that walk side by side. Both fulfill the human potential to discover something previously unknown and unusual. There is nothing in the world more fascinating than science and art, so the people who represent them should meet more often.”

Zelfira Tregulova noted that a lack of interest in art robs one of positive emotions: “Science and art have a great deal in common, and in the course of a very open, candid conversation, we came to understand and articulate the answer to this question. If one declares that they don’t understand art and don’t need it, they are shutting the door between themselves and the world. They are depriving themselves of incredible emotions, of a life-saving and healing medicine, of the energy that each of us draws from entering into a dialogue with a work of art or coming into contact with it.”

Sophiko Shevardnadze is confident that this episode will either draw viewers into science or inspire them to visit an art gallery. The creator and host of the project believes that science and art make people happy: “Science and art can give one the strength to rediscover their own wholeness and, amid the ordinariness of life, help them see diversity, joy, and happiness. The divide between ‘physicists and lyricists’ is entirely illusory. The human brain was originally wired to use both the left and right hemispheres equally, to perceive all the beauty and complexity of life. Since ancient times, we have had many examples of people who were simultaneously great scientists and great artists.”

Watch the episode in the START online cinema!