On September 28, 2017, Christiane Druml, Director of the Josephinum of the Medical University of Vienna, Curator Moritz Stipsicz, and CeMM Director Giulio Superti-Furga invited to a journey to the very heart of the interface of art and science. On the occasion of the exhibition “Artificial Hearts – The Bridge to Survival” in the Josephinum, a motley audience of artists, physicians, scientists and students visited the astonishing collection of historic medical exhibits and contemporary art pieces and installations, followed by a lively discussion round in CeMM´s Brain Lounge.

Vienna has played a pioneering role in the development of the artificial hearts. It was preceded by decades of extraordinary research achievements, which are showcased at the Josephinum. Interventions by artists Judith Fegerl, Peter Garmusch, Stephanie Pflaum, Samuel Schaab and Anna Witt complement the historic collection of instruments and anatomical wax models and created an extraordinary experience, taking the guests in unexpected audio-visual spheres and blurring the lines between art and science.

The audience then moved on to an open discussion round in the CeMM Brain Lounge, where the effects of increasing isolationism and nationalism on art and science was debated. Does oppression and restriction increase the motivation and creativity of artists and scientists? What is necessary to mount resistance and form opposition? What kind of influence, both societal and economical, do art and science have? What are the different financial needs and dependencies, and how do they influence the ability to oppose and provoke?

Giulio Superti-Furga (moderator), Christiane Druml, Moritz Stipsicz, artist and researcher Anna Artaker, visual artist Roswitha Schuller, print journalist Almuth Spiegler, artist Hubert Scheibl, radio journalist Elisabeth Nöstlinger, Oscar Bronner, founder of the journals Trend and Profil and editor of Der Standard, MedUni Vienna Professor Michael Trauner, and CeMM PI´s Christoph Bock and Jörg Menche opened the discussion with their experiences and thoughts. The evening ended at CeMM´s terrace with hour-long conversations. We want to thank everybody who contributed to this most pleasant, and inspiring evening.