Painting Energies Podcast is a podcast about light, colour, plants, microbes, and electrical energy. Eleven conversations with invited guests explore their relations, and our relations to them, through dialogue across science, technology, art, and philosophy.
The ""Painting Energies"" podcast, part of Aalto University's podcast series, explores intersections between art, science, and technology. Hosted by physicist Janne Halme and artist Bartaku, the series dives into diverse topics such as light, color, plants, microbes, and electrical energy. The episodes stem from an artscience research process at Aalto University and the creation of a unique solar panel painting. Through conversations with artists, scientists, and researchers, the podcast offers deep reflections on sustainability, human interactions with nature, and the transformative power of multidisciplinary collaboration.
Painting Energies"" is a transdisciplinary podcast developed by Aalto University, blending art, science, and technology to explore complex topics like light, color, and energy. Ideal for lifewide learners with interests in creative processes, sustainability, and art-science collaborations, it offers rich insights into contemporary research and artistic practices.
Target Audience:
• Lifelong learners interested in cross-disciplinary research education
• Professionals or students in the fields of art, science, and technology
• Individuals passionate about sustainability, art research, and science communication
The podcast consists of 11 in-depth episodes that invite learners into dialogues across diverse disciplines. Topics and learning opportunities include:
• Art and solar energy: How artistic expression and scientific inquiry can merge, as demonstrated by a unique solar panel painting inspired by J.M.W. Turner’s work and a plant.
• Collaborations between art and science: Episodes explore real-world case studies involving microbiologists, physicists, engineers, biologists, artists, and philosophers. These discussions offer learners ideas for how transdisciplinary partnerships can generate new ways of thinking and problem-solving.
• Empathy and environmental sustainability: Several episodes delve into our emotional and philosophical relationships with nature, with particular focus on how art can inspire environmental awareness.
• A comprehensive understanding of how art and science can converge to address complex societal challenges such as sustainability and renewable energy.
• Insight into the creative processes behind interdisciplinary collaborations.
• Awareness of cross-cutting topics in solar energy, biological arts, plant photophysics and biology, human visual system, and colour theory.
• Inspiration to think beyond conventional disciplinary boundaries, fostering creativity and innovative problem-solving skills in various sectors, including education, design, engineering, and environmental sciences.
The podcast is easily accessible through platforms like Spotify, SoundCloud, and Apple Podcasts. Its long-form conversational podcast designed to be engaging and approachable.
""Painting Energies"" was created by physicist Janne Halme and artist Bartaku at Aalto University. Their work continues a research journey that began in 2017, leading to the creation of an innovative solar panel art piece. The hosts’ unique combination of expertise ensures that each episode blends technical knowledge with philosophical and artistic reflections, making the material accessible to a broad audience.
The content is implemented as a series of structured episodes, each focusing on specific thematic intersections between science and art. Learners can listen in any order, as each episode stands alone but also builds upon the broader themes of the podcast.
Creators:
Janne Halme, D.Sc. (Tech), University Lecturer
Bart (Bartaku) Vandeput (PhD), Artist_Researcher
