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STOCKHOLM SCHOOL
OF ECONOMICS

Cryptogami: The aesthetics of Human Ecology

Artist Christine Ödlund and Per Johansson, PhD in Human Ecology on biology and its relation to art and aestetics

How do we make the distinction between biological art and aesthetic science? This was one of the questions when Christine Ödlund, artist and composer whose work is rooted in different terrains such as theosophy, synaesthesia and natural science, met with Per Johansson, PhD in Human Ecology and independent researcher in a discussion that started with discussions of art and ended up with ponderings of the inner life of fish.

The starting point of the talk was Christine Ödlund’s video artwork Cryptogami, which was on display in the Atrium at the Stockholm School of Economics. 

About the lecturers

Christine Ödlund, artist and composer, born 1963, lives and works in Stockholm Sweden. Christine Ödlund’s artistic practice covers drawing, painting, animations and electro-acoustic music. Her work is rooted in different terrains such as theosophy, synaesthesia and natural science. For example, she has investigated the chemical language of plants, resulting in installations, video and musical scores. Recent shows include a large solo presentation: Aether & Einstein, 2016 at Magasin III Museum & Foundation for Contemporary Art in Stockholm. The Great Solar Eclipse 1868, Guntur, India. Daydarkness at Galleri Riis Stockhom 2016 Tunnel Vision / The 8th Momentum Nordic Biennal, Moss, Norway, 2015. Music for Eukaryotes, Trondheim Museum of Art, 2015. Magasin III, Stockholm 2014. Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam, 2013. Art and Music - Search for New Synesthesia, Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo, 2013. Moderna Museet, Stockholm 2011. She is currently working on her second album for iDEAL recordings,  to be released in the spring of 2017.  

Per Johansson: PhD, Human Ecology; BA, History of Science. Formerly senior lecturer and researcher at Lund university. Since 2007 independent researcher, consultant, writer, speaker. Host and producer, with Eric Schüldt, of several very popular podcast shows on science, history, philosophy, religion, esotericism (Människan och maskinen, Kunskapens träd, Myter & Mysterier). Currently collaborates with several artists in various fields - sculpture, theatre, concept art etc.