Art and science are inherently interlinked. Think about how you see and experience art—the neurons in your retina detecting wavelengths of light and transmitting signals to your brain, where the visual cortex transforms them into images, and a web of neural networks processes colors, forms, and emotions against the backdrop of your memories.
This fusion of art and science is nothing new. From Leonardo da Vinci’s anatomical sketches to Ernst Haeckel’s mesmerizing biological illustrations, history is rich with examples of artists who bridged these disciplines.
But today, as technology rapidly evolves, enhancing and integrating into nearly every facet of life, how are we responding? How do we navigate an era where artificial intelligence is revolutionizing entire fields, blurring the boundaries of human categories or and extending human capability?
These are some of the questions that artist and neuroscientist Monica Hilario explores in both her research and creative practice. A key focus of her new work is transhumanism—the idea that human biology can be enhanced and fused with technology to push beyond natural limitations. From pacemakers to brain-computer interfaces, Hilario observes this transformation unfolding before her eyes. “It is happening so quickly. Technology is becoming a part of our lives in ways we do not even realize,” she says. “Art has always been a portal for people to explore ideas and make sense of the world. My goal is for us to question these advancements as they happen rather than simply accept them.”
At the heart of Hilario’s inquiry is the tension between perfection and imperfection, the moment where human fragility meets technological precision. Her work challenges viewers to pause, reflect, and engage critically with the ethical and philosophical implications of our future. What does it mean to be human when the boundaries of our biology are shifting? How do we maintain agency over the changes that define our existence?
Another core theme in Hilario’s work is time. “Physics and time are huge sources of inspiration for me,” she explains. “We often think of time as linear, but in quantum physics, it’s more about interactions.” These ideas seep into her paintings, influencing the way she visualizes motion, memory, and existence itself.
Originally from Portugal, Hilario moved to the United States to pursue a PhD in neuroscience. Although she was drawn to painting from an early age, growing up with limited access to artistic opportunities made pursuing it as a career seem out of reach. Driven by her passion, she taught herself and is now making the transition to becoming a full-time artist.
“I’ve been painting for years, but I never had much time to step out of the creative shelter of my studio and share my work with the world,” she says. “Applying for and receiving an Artist Support Grant has been incredibly validating. The value of the grant goes beyond the financial—it provides inspiration and courage for artists to put their work out there.”
To explore more of Monica Hilario’s work, you can visit her website and follow her on Instagram at monicahilario5.
