Ilkka Paloniemi: Plasma Bees

Plasma Bees is a series of four bee portraits, crafted from neon lights and set within recycled gilded frames. This playful collection draws inspiration from both the history of art and various forms of energy.  

In this work, neon lights powered by artificial energy illuminate the bees, creatures that generate their own natural energy – honey. The red glow of these modern portraits’ contrasts with the classic elegance of the recycled frames, elevating the significance and dignity of the bees.  

Paloniemi took inspiration form the glowing symbol of a diesel engine, and began sketching loops, out of which emerged various insects – ants, wasps, mosquitoes, and finally, bees. 

The neon gas inside the glass tubes transforms into luminous plasma when exposed to electricity. Interestingly, plasma is the most common state of matter in the universe, present in stars and nebulae in such abundance that it is believed to make up over 99 percent of all matter.