Bart H.M. Vandeput

About

I am an artist-researcher based in Belgium and Finland, practising under the name Bartaku. With an MSc in Social Sciences (KU Leuven, 1994) and a Doctor of Arts (Aalto University, 2021), my work explores the intersections of energy, bioart, and consciousness studies. Currently, I hold a postdoctoral senior fellowship (FWO) at the University of Antwerp's Department of Philosophy, Centre for Ethics, leading the MicroTuning project—a relational inquiry into the interconnections between microbial worlds in air, lungs, and nuclear power plant cooling towers. This research involves partnerships with Aalto University's New Energies Technology group, Ghent University's Department of Biotechnology, and Hasselt University's X-LAB. Since 2003, my practice has evolved from drumming to energy- and bioart, addressing critical contemporary issues and stimulating interdisciplinary dialogue. Through numerous cross-disciplinary and transcontextual collaborations over two decades, I've developed a holistic, transversal approach that creates dynamic interfaces between scientists, artists, and the "Any`thing´." Key Projects and Collaborations Latvian Plantation Entanglement A decade-long engagement that culminated in practice-based doctoral research at Aalto University's School of Art, Design and Architecture, resulting in a 2021 monograph. Temporary Photoelectric Digestopians (tPED) This acclaimed public laboratory series features edible solar cells tested on sun-directed tongues, transforming light, energy, and emotion. The project is referenced in the 2021 Routledge publication "A History of Solar Power Art and Design." AAMO Research Group Founded in 2017, this art-science collective deepens transdisciplinary work, with notable projects including "Blck Vlvt"—a plant-colored glass solar cell mosaic inspired by J.M.W. Turner's "Snowstorm" painting. Artistic Approach My work investigates relationships between light, electrical energy, plants, and microbes, employing diverse media including ceramics, solar cells, sound, and language. I connect scientists, artists, designers, technology, and the more-than-human world through workshops, exhibitions, interventions, and lectures. As an artist-in-residence, I've participated in numerous programs across art, design, craft, and scientific contexts in Northwest Europe, the Baltic region, Southern Mexico, Peru, and Northeast India. Affiliations and Memberships • Founding member: HangarOh, Wait and Hear group, r-Ohm • Member: Finnish Bioart Society,

Education