Episode 13: Aoife Van Linden Tol - Explosions of art in science, and science in art

Aoife fuses her interests in nature, cosmology, chemistry, and physics in devastatingly beautiful, illuminating, and affecting art and in this episode shares her insights and the pivotal moments across her journey.

Aoife Van Linden Tol spends her days among explosions. Some of the controlled variety in her art studio and others on the screen of her computer as she views the surface of the Sun or a planetary body. She lives, thinks, works, innovates at the intersection of art and science.

Along her trajectory Aoife has obtained a litany of some of the coolest degrees I think that a person can receive, including: an Explosives Foundation Course from the International School for Safety and Explosive Education in 2001, a Bachelor’s of Arts in Art & Design from Central St Martins College of Art and Design in 2002, Introduction to Curating and, separately, Cosmology in 2005, then in 2015 and 2016 work in Pyrotechnic Chemistry and Theatrical Pyrotechnics Safety.

Her extensive list of Exhibitions and projects, shown across the world, embody these learnings and align them with a wonderful set of seemingly disparate disciplines, taking the audience on journeys that fuse fields and challenge conceptions.

Aoife has blazed trails across the unique intersection of art and science, defining the space and pioneering new ideas to populate it. In 2016 Aoife became the first even ‘Artist in Residence’ at the European Space Agency, specifically with the European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC). She was also invited by Disney Lucasfilm to design a limited edition model of robot BB-8 from Star Wars: The Force Awakens. She has an intimidating list of honors, one of which I’m compelled to share - she has been named a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, joining the likes of Stephen Hawking, Marie Curie, Charles Dickens, and Benjamin Franklin.

Aoife is based out of London, fusing her interests in nature, cosmology, chemistry and physics and examining some of the grandest ideas and questions of our time. Her work is inspiring. She, in general, is inspiring and emanates a contagious energy.

Enjoy this illuminating and explosive conversation at the intersection of art and science.

Show Notes: 


Ryan McGranaghan