Trial and Error Award
Embracing Failure in Research Through Art
Research isn’t just about groundbreaking discoveries and polished results. Behind every success story lies a journey filled with trials, errors, and often failure. The "Trial & Error" exhibition, a collaboration between the Utrecht Young Academy and the Journal of Trial and Error, aimed to spotlight this lesser-celebrated side of research: the learning and growth that come from mistakes. Through the Trial and Error Award, the exhibition paid tribute to resilience and the insights gained from overcoming research challenges.
Where Art and Failure Met
This exhibition came to life through the creative work of students from Sint Lucas Creative School in Boxtel. Each of the fifteen talented artists took on the theme of failure, channelling it into unique visual expressions and award designs. These pieces represented more than just art- hey were powerful reflections of perseverance, personal growth, and the understanding that every setback in research is a stepping stone toward greater knowledge.
Among all the outstanding entries, Isolde Eickmans’ piece was selected as the official Trial and Error Award. However, each creation told its own story, celebrating each artist’s journey and commitment to the theme. Through their work, visitors could witness the dedication and vulnerability that came with confronting and embracing mistakes.
A Look Back at the Exhibition
The exhibition ran from January 18th to February 22nd in the University Library Hall at Drift 27. Visitors had the opportunity to admire the collection of award designs and gain insight into the students’ creative processes. Each piece shared a personal story, reflecting the deep connection these young artists felt to the concept of failure. The exhibition served as a reminder that failure is an essential, valuable part of the research journey, and a source of inspiration.
