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Odd Collective – Armors23.08. - 15.09.2024
Opening / Avajaiset 22.08.2024 18:00-20:00
Myymälä2 is pleased to present "Armors", an exhibition by Odd collective. The collective comprises visual artists Annabel Kajetski, Laura Dahlberg, and Sofia Haapamäki, who have been collaborating since 2021 after meeting at the Academy of Fine Arts in 2019.
This exhibition marks the first time Odd collective explores the theme of collaboration through their artwork. As a group, they look into questions about the nature of working together, examining how to navigate responsibilities and creative input within a collective. The exhibition has come together through many conversations over the period of two years and the goal is to maintain transparency in the production process. For instance, the concept for this exhibition originated from Annabel Kajetski, a former healthcare worker who left the field for good due to its overwhelming pressures.
Kajetski's hypothesis for the exhibition is rooted in her experiences in the healthcare industry. She suggests that healthcare workers are metaphorically forced to wear masks, armor, or capes, much like she did during her time in the profession. "It was impossible to be yourself completely, and you constantly felt the need to toughen up", she explains.
In this exhibition, Odd collective sets out to interview three healthcare workers. During the interviews, the healthcare workers paint their own masks, armors, or capes on a mirror, symbolizing the emotional and psychological shields they feel they may have to wear from time to time in their profession.
A drawing machine stands as an integral part of the exhibition. Its purpose is to spark conversations about the metaphorical armors or masks. As the machine traces the outlines of the interviewees, it lays a tangible foundation to ponder and discuss the protective layers one may need to wear at work. This distancing approach eases the challenge of initiating such profound reflections, using the machine's output as a starting point to delve deeper into the heart of the matter.
The drawing machine is also present at the gallery space for the visitors, creating a visual connection between the personal stories and the gallery guests. Everyone has a time or space in their lives where one needs to toughen up and wear an armor/mask/shield of some sort.
You will also have the opportunity to hear Kajetski’s complete story, as she is one of the
interviewees featured in the multichannel work.
Artist bios:
Annabel Kajetski (FI) is working with interactive video installations, painting, immersive technologies, and obscure robotics. Kajetski deals with societal issues (like the collapse of capitalism) and how to rage with empathy. Because of her past (Occupational Therapy) her works tend to be accessible with touchable surfaces, sounds or scents.
annabelkajetski.com
Laura Dahlberg (FI) is an artist who works with installation and sculpture. Her main interest is to find ways how to co-existence with machines, matter and other species in our shared environment. Dahlberg’s practice often focuses on immersive and interactive situations, which are based on the sense of absurdness and various sensory experiences.
Sofia Haapamäki (FI) artistic practice is driven by a desire to push the boundaries of traditional artistic practices and uncover new avenues of expression. At the center of Haapamäki's artistic exploration lies a deep interest in humanity itself. Her works focus on the intricacies of the individual as a unique force entangled within a complex world.
Acknowledgements
Thank you:
Konstsamfundet
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Uudenmaankatu 23 F, 00120 Helsinki, Finland, Uudenmaankatu 23, FI-00120 Helsinki, Suomi,Helsinki, Finland