The Allan and Bo Hjelt Art Foundation and Chappe joined forces in May 2026 to explore the connections between contemporary art, scientific inquiry, and public dialogue. Held at Chappe in Ekenäs, the event brought together audiences interested in the ways artistic and scientific perspectives can enrich one another.

The programme was organised in conjunction with the exhibition Immortal by Dr. Christopher B. Jackson. Through photography, silkscreen prints, and installations, the exhibition examined themes of evolution, adaptation, and the persistence of life in changing environments. These ideas formed the basis of Jackson’s presentation,“Immortal Entropy – Survival in Chaos,” in which he reflected on how living systems respond to uncertainty, transformation, and complexity.

As both a geoscientist and an artist, Jackson drew on his experience in both fields, exploring the relationship between scientific observation and artistic practice, demonstrating how each can provide new ways of understanding the world around us. The audience were invited to contribute with their own reflections throughout the event, creating an engaging exchange of ideas and perspectives.

Following the talk, visitors joined a guided tour of Immortal led by the artist. The tour offered valuable insight into the thinking behind the exhibition and highlighted the connections between Jackson’s scientific background and his artistic work. By combining a public presentation with direct engagement in the exhibition space, the programme encouraged audiences to explore the artworks from multiple viewpoints and to consider the broader questions they raised.

Both the Foundation and Chappe recognise the importance of making space for conversations that cross traditional disciplinary boundaries and invite audiences to engage with complex contemporary themes. By bringing together research, creativity, and public engagement, the event highlighted the value of interdisciplinary dialogue and the role cultural institutions play in fostering thoughtful discussion about the challenges and opportunities of our time.