We present Nobel laureate Kostya Novoselov: There exists an irrational component in every scientific discovery and masterpiece
Nobel laureate Konstantin Kostya Novoselov will inaugurate the scientific conference "Days of the Diaspora and Friends of Montenegro 2023" at the University of Montenegro on October 18, 2023. In anticipation of the event organized by the University of Montenegro, we introduce the scientist through a transcript of his interview from last year during the art exhibition "At the Violet Hour" at the American International University in Kuwait. In this universitys channel, Novoselov discusses his life, work, and the connection between science and art, which he also engages with.
Hello. I’m Konstantin Kostya Novoselov, a physicist by profession. I’ve worked in many different countries, quite extensively in Manchester, United Kingdom. I’m a professor at the National University of Singapore, the director of the Institute for Functional Intelligent Materials, and I’m also an artist. So, I paint, but I also engage in some aspects of contemporary visual art.
When did you first realize that, besides science, you are also interested in art? How did it all begin?
Allow me to respond a bit outside the scope of your question. Firstly, the real question is "how to engage in science" because at university, they teach you how to work with physics, biology, or chemistry, but thats not the same as engaging in science. Knowing formulas or knowing how to build a device is not the same as engaging in science. Science is when you discover something new, something no one knew before you, and when you know how to enter the unknown. If its something unknown, if you dont know how to set a goal, how to achieve it... thats where I see some similarities with art. In fact, I couldnt grasp these similarities until I personally started engaging in art. As far as I can remember, I always wanted to learn how to paint and engage in art, but I never had the time. Then, one day, I found myself stuck in China for a few months, and I thought, "Okay, let me try, maybe Ill learn Chinese and maybe Ill learn Chinese painting."
I’ve always been fascinated by painting in China and calligraphy. My Chinese never really "advanced," practically non-existent, but art - painting, really captured me. I’m a professor, an educator whose teaching is mainly conversation-based. What I realized is that art doesnt just rest on how you wield the brush and choose colors. Its part of it, of course, but art mostly means finding that one "melody," one note that actually resonates with other people and with yourself. In that sense, there’s a significant similarity with science. Because, in science you can conduct as many experiments as you want, but there is only one that will lead you to a breakthrough, to a discovery. Its the same with art. You can paint countless paintings, be precise or beautifully and photographically correct, but they wont resonate. So, where is that resonance, how to find it, thats a good question, its a brilliant and wonderful answer...
Has your exposure to art changed your perspective on science?
Yes, it has, because its essentially the same realization that you need to be in harmony to make a discovery or create a masterpiece in art. And in that understanding, you realize that, unfortunately, not everything depends on your consciousness. I mean, I cant believe Im saying this as a scientist because you should be entirely rational, but there’s still an irrational component in every discovery, and unfortunately, its the same in creating a masterpiece. You cant plan a discovery; you cant plan a masterpiece. Either it comes to light or it doesnt. And I dont think Ive single-handedly made many discoveries in my life, not at all. In fact, you work for years until you get something beautiful and truly valuable in science. I mean, we publish a lot of papers. Theyre important, but breakthroughs dont happen all that often. Its similar with masterpieces.
What role does consistency play in both art and science?
Allow me to rephrase this question a bit to focus on consistency and randomness. Randomness occurs, and unfortunately, its impossible to be 100% rational and say that if you do this and that, you’ll make a discovery. Theres no recipe for masterpieces or discoveries; its something you need to align within yourself. Some gears in the mind have to synchronize, so a spark really needs to happen, and sometimes we call that a lucky and accidental discovery. Sometimes we even call it a quantum leap; some people refer to it as inspiration. There are many names for it, but its clear that something, that something, must be there... But getting back to your question, you cant simply rely on randomness, you cant just lie in your bed, do nothing, and hope that an idea will come to mind one day. Unfortunately, we know it doesnt work that way. In fact, you need to work extremely hard, whether as an artist or as a scientist, and then hope that during this hard work, this spark, this inspiration will come. And honestly, the more you work, the more chances you have, but how to find the balance and when it comes, where it comes from, I dont know, but hard work is definitely important.
Do you think we’ve forgotten the importance of art in our learning culture or are there aspects of art that we dont fully understand?
Well, I dont think its possible to fully understand art. Ive spoken a lot about the connection between art and science, but still, its not entirely the same. In art, there’s a more irrational side, and youre allowed to be more irrational, less precise. Art is more open to interpretation in that sense, but science is also open to interpretation. Sometimes, a different interpretation leads to a new discovery. Art is definitely a different perspective on harnessing inspiration and creativity. Inspiration and creativity are extremely important for all aspects of our science of life and the engineering of art. As for how to teach science or create masterpieces, I really dont know. Its very challenging, if not impossible because, as I mentioned at the beginning, you can teach physics, but you cant teach science... its not the same as studying physics.
I’ve been fortunate in life to have had truly fantastic teachers. My mentor and good friend, Andre Geim, was the one with whom I worked on various subjects, so I mostly observed how he engaged with science and where he drew his ideas from. I think I learned a bit about practicing science as well. Now, I’m learning and observing art, and it seems to help me open my mind. Each person has their own trick up their sleeve, in science or art. Sometimes these tricks can be equally useful in art or in all sciences, but unfortunately, you have to learn from experience. Thats why observing and learning to understand art is very important. Honestly, good artists are the ones who are extremely determined to create high-quality work. I’m by no means putting myself at the top of the list of great artists; I know exactly where my place is in the world of art. But out of the 90 things I produce, most are mostly discarded, and then suddenly, one work turns out to be really beautiful and wonderful, you just cant replicate it.
Where does your inspiration come from?
Honestly, my painting doesnt start with the canvas. I’m fortunate to have a professors office that’s slightly larger than a students, and even in it, I can fit a small painting table, which is essentially what you use for Chinese art. My inspiration starts with an idea, and then I suddenly get an urge. I dont know where it comes from, but I have the urge to get up and try to paint something. In most cases, it turns out to be nonsense, but sometimes, something emerges from the very act of using the brush, which is fantastic.
Message to young people: What is the most significant lesson you have learned so far from your life experience?
When you study physics, and at my university, I studied the basics of physics for three years and then some advanced chapters for another three years, so after six years, you feel like you probably have a good grasp of physics, you understand how it works. And then when you reach the level of research, suddenly you realize there are so many gaps in your knowledge that even the most basic phenomena are not fully understood. Similarly, its enough to visit a classical or contemporary art museum and see the diversity and the many ways people can express themselves, and you start to wonder, can I create something new, for heavens sake? But what I see again and again is that people manage to create something entirely new, in a new way or approach. So, the only lesson I could probably impart to a young person is: Believe in yourself and dont listen to people like me. Just find your own path. I know it sounds simple and cliché, but its actually the only advice I can give, so just believe in yourself, and it will pay off. Sometimes the simplest things are the truest.