Welcome to our latest episode, featuring an extraordinary guest who recently spoke at our gallery: Ben Moore. Ben is a professor of astrophysics, author, musician, and director of the Center for Theoretical Astrophysics and Cosmology at the University of Zürich. His groundbreaking research spans cosmology, gravity, astroparticle physics, and planet formation. He has published over 200 scientific papers exploring the origins of planets and galaxies, as well as the mysteries of dark matter and dark energy.

His most recent book, Sternenstaub, delves into the stories of researchers and discoveries that, while Nobel-worthy, have been overlooked by the scientific establishment. You can learn more about the book here: Sternenstaub – Kein & Aber (https://www.keinundaber.ch/buecher/sternenstaub/)

In addition to his scientific achievements, Ben is also a musician. He composes electro-rock music and released a solo album in 2014 titled Escape Velocity (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQVUW5A29J4).

Don’t miss the complete film created during his residency at the Rietberg Museum: The History of the Universe in 24 Hours with Ben Moore (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JIbj-H0YyTY).

Ursula Palla, a Swiss artist, advocates for the fragility of nature and the animal world; she reminds us about our responsibility for the environment. Ursula intertwines video installations with space sculptures and works with such sensitive materials as liquid sugar, snow, and dust of coal. She speaks about climate change, but without pedagogical intent or moralizing by-effects, but always with a sense of poetry.

Creator, teacher, and ambassador for jewelry - these three roles have made Esther Brinkmann a key figure in jewelry design not only in her native Switzerland but also in China and India, where she lived and worked for almost ten years. Thanks to her contact with master artisans in both countries she has explored new horizons with her work. Indian enamel and Chinese jade carving have made their way into her favorite piece of jewelry, the ring.

More details on the artist & her work: https://forum.lechbinska.com/esther-brinkmann
Sign up for podcast: https://consulting.lechbinska.com/podcast

Giaco Schiesser, Prof. emeritus for culture and media theories and for artistic research, Zurich University of the Arts, ZHdK, talks with Julia Lechbinska on the tradition of artistic cooperation and its methods.

In this episode, we dive deep into the captivating world of Chinese contemporary artist Luo Mingjun—from the origins of his Magnolia series to the major shifts in his artistic practice over the years. We explore the duality of his work, examining how his art balances both traditional and modern influences, and the unique way his calligraphy and ink drawings express complex emotions and concepts.

Luo opens up about his choice of Laozi as a philosophical anchor, revealing how his philosophy ties into his work, and we discuss his groundbreaking appearance at the Venice Biennale, where his art made a global impact. The episode also highlights his experimental Water Series, the symbolic journey of his Paper Boat, and his unique approach to capturing characters that transcend literal translations.

With insights into his techniques, the significance of portraiture, and the people who shaped his path—including notable figures like Bernard Fibicher and Gisele Linder—this conversation is a rich exploration of an artist who constantly evolves and pushes boundaries. Join us for an inspiring look at Luo Mingjun’s artistic journey, and discover where he finds the strength to navigate today's uncertainties through art.

Luo Mingjun, an internationally recognized and esteemed artist, engages in a discussion with Julia Lechbinska, pondering over the intertwining influences of her Chinese and Swiss identities, delving into the concept of memory in her earlier creations, and exploring her latest artistic evolution marked by vibrant colors and human figure.