MODERATION – COOPERATION – EQUALITY
27.6.–29.8.2020
former shopping centre Linna
Raatihuoneenkatu 14, Hämeenlinna
Curators: sculptor Maija Helasvuo and artist Marja Bonada (Wales).
Marja Bonada, Katie Cyfenw, Datamosh (Paul Jones and Guy Mayman), Penny Hallas, Jenni Kalsola, Mika Karhu, Tapani Kokko, Riitta Kopra, Olli Larjo, Catherine Lorent , Sampo Malin, Tom Meilleur, Tiina Nevalainen, Pilvi Ojala & Anni Paunila, Jonathan Powell, Jussi Pyky, Aarno Rankka & Jyrki Riekki, Antti-Ville Reinikainen, Simo Ripatti, Jasmine Roberts, Niina Räty, Ilkka Sariola, Stoll & Wachall, Juha Sääski, Berit Talpsepp-Jaanisoo, Nora Tapper, Anssi Taulu, Pauliina Turakka-Purhonen, Anniina Vainionpää, Veronika Witte
In the history of humanity there are discernible windows of time. Visual art or even hunting, which have at times been regarded as obsolete pastimes, seem to be still alive, and an essential part of human experience and survival. On the other hand, the forestry industry, which has brought unprecedented wealth to Finland, nowadays only provides employment to around 2% of the population. It could be that in future, when climate change dramatically alters our environment, it will make more sense to grow and save forest, rather than fell trees and make use of the raw material. Things that feel permanent can very quickly crumble and change. The windows of time turn out to be a lot shorter than expected, and effects that we think of as temporary, remain in permanence.
“Freedom, brotherhood, equality”, motto of the Enlightenment, is strongly linked to the development of individualism, which led to our culture of consumerism, and subsequently to department stores, shopping centres and the whole world of shopping. The development and patterns of behaviour should have been considered long ago, but now climate change is forcing the issue. More and more shopping centres are being built, while at the same time space in these is being released for other uses. Artists have made use of empty factory buildings before, is it now the turn of shopping centres?
Our customs and social lives are bound up with our shopping and consuming. How to be together? How to communicate? How to cope with boredom and existential anxiety? How do we relax and enjoy ourselves? Does equality of consumption guarantee equality?
Maija Helasvuo, Kuvanveistäjä, KuM
Marja Bonada, Kuvataiteilija, KuM