with Franz John
Resource Color is a project for sustainable energy generation by means of dye solar cells using natural plant dyes. This so-called “Grätzel cell”, named after its inventor Prof. Michael Grätzel, uses organic dyes such as the leaf pigment chlorophyll to absorb light. When exposed to sunlight, a type of technical photosynthesis begins in the cell, which generates a measurable electrical current.
From October 7-12, 2013, the Berlin artist Franz John and students from the Institute for Art and Visual Culture at the University of Oldenburg tested the extraction of plant color extracts at the Edith-Russ-Haus, which were then used to build several Grätzel cells.
The “dye source” used in this seminar was mainly regional and seasonal plants from the area around the Edith-Russ-Haus and Oldenburg, which were tested for their different energy suitability. This required on-site experiments. Depending on the time of year, red cabbage, sloe, sea buckthorn, ivy, elderberries and privet berries are all suitable. By boiling, stirring and sieving, home-made color concentrates are produced, which can then be used to generate energy and for artistic processes.
In contrast to the classic solar cell, the Grätzel cell does not cause any environmentally harmful emissions during production and can be manufactured using the simplest of means. The aim is to awaken creative potential and challenge the inventive spirit by building your own replica.
This project was realized with the kind support of the association Lebendiges Museum Oldenburg e.V.