Episode 11 – Science & Art Deco

To make the most out of your listening experience, follow along with the episode’s Wingman post on our Instagram: @artvirgins. Show Notes: In this episode, Zahra takes us on an unexpected journey to what she calls the happiest place on earth — and spoiler: it’s nowhere near Disneyland. From particle accelerators to mind-bending artist residencies, she opens a door into a world where science and creativity collide in the most surprising ways. Then Sami shifts gears and brings us back to the streets of Paris for the 100-year anniversary of a movement we all think we know… until we realize we don’t. Dramatic entrances, glamorous lines, and a story that all begins with one very peculiar exhibition. Are you ready to see physics and design with completely new eyes? Let’s dive in. Highlights: Zahra reveals the unexpected reason CERN might actually be the real happiest place on earth A behind-the-scenes look at Arts at CERN — the artist residency program nobody sees coming The strange, futuristic artworks hiding in plain sight on CERN’s campus How physics secretly shapes everything from your steps to your favorite masterpieces Sami unpacks the (surprisingly messy) origin story of Art Deco Why 1925 Paris hosted one of the most influential exhibitions of the century The visual codes that define Art Deco — from speed lines to ships, subways, and sleek geometry A poster so iconic it becomes the symbol of early Art Deco glamour What we promised: The Arts at CERN program The giant CERN statue with formulas Black Quantum Futurism A.M. Cassandre’s Normandie ocean liner poster The 1925 Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industrielles Modernes