A conversation about the synergy of art and research

During the conversation, its members Voldemārs Johansons, Mariona Baltkalne, Krišs Zilgalvis and its moderator Aigars Lavrinovićs will discuss topics related to the role of visual art in explaining complex research concepts, artists' interpretations and the accuracy of research, the border between artists' creative freedom and the need to accurately reflect research-based facts as also future trends in art and research cooperation.

Voldemārs Johansson (1980) is a composer and artist who combines interest in visuality, sound and science in his creative practice. His installations and compositions are based on data created by analyzing environmental phenomena with a scientific approach. Johansson studied electronic music composition at the Sonology Institute of the Royal Conservatory in The Hague. His works have been exhibited in many places around the world, including the Venice Architecture Biennale, the ArtGENDA art project (Hamburg), the Ruhr Triennale (Bochum), the BOZAR art center (Brussels), the festivals TodaysArt (The Hague), Skaņu mežs (Riga), Unsound (Krakow), the STEIM studio (Amsterdam), Wroclaw Media Art Biennale, Ars Electronica Center (Linz) and elsewhere.

Mariona Baltkalne studied biology at the University of Latvia and cultural management at the Latvian Academy of Culture. Gained experience in fields related to both research and culture. Worked as a lecturer at the State Blood Donor Center, event organizer VSIA "Latvian National Symphony Orchestra", tour guide at the Corner House of the Latvian Occupation Museum. Over the past few years, she has created content for Latvian Radio 1 programs, currently creating the programs "Zināmais nezināmāja" and "Grāmatai pa pēdām". She also worked in the non-governmental sector, worked in the association "Centrs "Marta"" and is still a member of this organization, as well as a volunteer of the association "Latvijas Red Cross" for 15 years, currently holds the position of the chairman of the Latvian Red Cross Youth Council. She is interested in art and cultural processes, works as an art mediator in exhibitions and festivals organized by the Latvian Contemporary Art Center, was an assistant in the Latvian pavilion at the International Venice Art Biennale in 2022. He likes to moderate various discussions, lead events and concerts, travel and spend time in nature, attend cultural events.

Krišs Zilgalvis is the head of the art center NOASS and an artist who explores the synergy of art and science in his projects. Born in Riga, where he graduated from art college in 2005 as a video artist. He started his professional career as an artist with active performance art works, using multimedia and installations in his creation. Krišs studied architecture and engineering in New York and London, which has influenced his creative work, and he uses the acquired knowledge to create interdisciplinary projects.

Aigars Lavrinovičs has a PhD in engineering and technology. Since 2016, he has been working on innovative solutions in the field of environmental biotechnology at the Water Research and Environmental Biotechnology Laboratory of RTU. His expertise spans wastewater treatment, resource recovery, water pollution control, aquatic ecosystem functioning, and greenhouse gas emissions control in agricultural soils. Since 2022, as an assistant professor at RTU Institute of Water Systems and Biotechnology, he actively involves students in the development of innovative and practical solutions for water purification and resource recovery. Founded the startup AlgaePhos4X in 2023 to develop advanced wastewater treatment and resource recovery solutions based on biological processes.

The conversation will be held in Latvian, within the framework of the Riga Sculpture Quadrennial festival.

Photo: www.noass.lv