Science sparks curiosity across continents, and Alicante hosts a revealing look into how humor and science intersect. The exhibit Science According to Forges gathers 66 cartoons published in El País from 1995 to 2018, offering a distinctive lens on scientific topics through the sharp eye of the Catalan humorist Antonio Forges. The show, which recently opened in the Espacio Séneca, presents a playful Newton under the weight of gravity, a moment that becomes both a teaching point and a laugh. The posters emphasize a single, memorable word: Oyster, spoken by the falling apple as it meets the legendary scientist. This image captures the spirit of the collection—witty, accessible, and oddly reverent toward inquiry.
The event underscores a broader conversation about the resources and recognition that science education and research deserve. It is a collaboration that features the Higher Center for Scientific Research in Valencia and aligns with cultural authorities to reach audiences beyond traditional laboratories. The venue is listed as a space for dialogue between science and the public, inviting viewers to reflect on how humor can illuminate complex ideas without diminishing rigor.
“Science According to Forges” is curated as a visual essay that invites audiences to see science through the comedian’s eyes while preserving the integrity of each topic. The exhibition also serves as a tribute from the scientific community to a master of graphic humor who used his work to popularize ideas and spark curiosity.
Although Forges did not train as a scientist, his curiosity and observational skill shaped a distinctive approach to science communication. A family perspective notes long sessions of careful observation paired with a relentless commitment to clarity and precision in every drawing. The result is humor that educates, inviting moments of reflection as much as laughter.
City cultural leadership highlights the value of Forges’s didactic work and his ability to reach broader audiences through humor. The show is framed as a celebration of scientific inquiry and everyday life, reminding visitors that research is a human endeavor full of wonder and occasional absurdities. The comment from local cultural leadership acknowledges a legacy of keen observation and a knack for making audiences smile while showing what research and life are about.
Visitors can experience the exhibition through September 11, with hours that accommodate evenings and weekends to fit busy schedules. The lineup has already toured multiple cities, bringing new audiences into contact with science ideas presented in comic form. The project is produced by the scientific culture program of the CSIC and supported by a variety of foundations and research initiatives. It also involves collaboration with the General CSIC Foundation and benefactors who support science outreach, including a national philanthropic network and university partners. The result is a lively blend of humor, art, and science that invites classroom-style learning alongside casual viewing.