The invitational retrospective exhibition features video works, photographs and publications by performance artist Helinä Hukkataival. In the works we see the artist herself immersed in her work, whether in the streets of Rome or in the Finnish landscape. The exhibition also features live performances.
The exhibition is also the official inauguration of MUU Helsinki Contemporary Art Centre. Having opened its doors to the public in January 2021, MUU Helsinki has hosted a rich programme of events during the year, both in its event space and online, and now finally it is time for the official opening ceremony.
Helinä Hukkataival (b. 1941) graduated as visual arts teacher in 1966, and began exhibiting alongside her teaching work in 1969. From 1990 she began to focus on performance art, and later expanded her repertoire to cover photography and video art as well. Helinä Hukkataival received the Finnish State Award for Visual Arts in 2004.
Hukkataival appears herself in the performances. In the role of Martha, she wears a black dress and a scarf, a traditional, old-fashioned outfit. The pictures show Martha engaged in the kind of everyday work done by women that all too often remains invisible.
The exhibition spotlights the ideal of lifelong toil that is ingrained in women. Yet the works also capture beautiful and humorous views that romanticise hard work. In them, we see a tireless woman doing laundry and embroidery, chopping wood and wading to work with her briefcase swinging.
Hukkataival’s performances are minimalist works, like ritual dances that involve the artist, her works, different time layers, city dwellers and viewers. The artist’s appearance and presence makes viewing the performances seem almost like witnessing a priest or a magician who is aware of her own professional skill and is therefore able to make the audience believe in the situation presented to their eyes.
In addition to video performances, photographic works as well as documentary videos and photographs, the exhibition also features the book Space Between Ritual and Carnival. Showcasing Helinä Hukkataival’s career, the book is written by Dutch cultural theorist Mieke Bal and art historian Mervi Appel.
The exhibition includes performances that are presented both live at MUU Helsinki and online.
