Einstein and Picasso

Open Space Meeting, Dortmund , 7- 9 March 2009

Albert Einstein, the most important scientist of the 20th century, and Pablo Picasso, its most important artist, were both - in their own way - striving for a new and profound way to represent the universe's geometry. Einstein came up with the theory of relativity, Picasso with cubism when exploring the same problem: How to represent space and time at just the moment in history when it became apparent that these entities are not what we intuitively perceive them to be. This parallel of problem-solving and creative approach in science and art was of interest to Arthur I. Miller, Professor Emeritus of History and Philosophy of Science at University College London when writing “Einstein, Picasso – Space, Time, and the Beauty that Causes Havoc” (2001).

What are the common issues which influence creative thinking and working of scientists and artists today? This was the topic for an Open Space meeting of some 80 international artists and scientists exploring key external and internal drivers which lead and influence creativity. While intellectual curiosity, professional pride and personal ambition are generally accepted as drivers of creativity, “Einstein and Picasso” participants also explored the impact that e.g. the state of boredom, the confrontation with an obstacle, ethical concerns, the financial context, digitalisation and numerous other aspects have on a person’s creative capabilities. A more detailed summary of the results will follow.

For the British Council creativity is an essential ingredient to social well-being and intercultural understanding. A major strand of the British Council’s programmes worldwide is devoted to projects of scientific and artistic creativity. “Einstein and Picasso” was the first event trying to define the concept of creativity in a contemporary context and to find a common understanding about what triggers creativity today.

The project aimed to

• develop a network of European artists and scientists interested in one another's creative approaches and in new cross-over ways of problem-solving,
• provide follow-up and access to existing sci-art networks (e.g. TippingPoint),
• recognise the UK's expertise in international cultural relations focussing on new ways of multi-lateral, cross-sectoral relationship-building,
• identify today's key drivers of creativity,
• increase the public's and cultural policy makers' awareness of the commonalities of seemingly disparate realms, and
• familiarise influential next generation artists and scientist with the format of open space, self-organised debate.

The event followed on from Germany's Year of Mathematics in 2008, in the framework of the EU's Year of Creativity and Innovation in 2009 and in the run-up to Ruhr 2010 – European Capital of Culture in Dortmund, North Rhine-Westphalia's future “Capital of Creativity”.

Have a look at the Einstein Picasso image gallery!