The series of works Tähtien alla (‘Under the Stars’) dances out the invisible energy pulsing inside people’s habitats, reviving the spirits of places. The videos were filmed in urban nature in Helsinki, in places where nature is being radically reshaped due to construction, such as Helsinki Töölö, where poplar trees were felled to make way for a new building. Videos are composed by Mikko Joensuu, Okko Nuotio, Sirja Puurtinen and Kaino Kim Vieno. Dancers in videos are Laura the Light of All, Lauri Antti Mattila, Salla Oinas, Sara Pathirane, Sade Risku ja Hessu Wennerstrand. Costumes are made by Burlesque Tsunami / Riina Salmi, Salla Oinas, Sade Risku and Laura the Light of All. Jewelry is made by Sielunkuu / Tiina Pitkänen
The exhibition also features the video work Leda&friends, based on fragments of Sappho’s poems, on the island of Lesvos. The choreographic video piece based on Sappho’s poems tells the story of friends who incubate a common dream: a hyacinth-colored egg. The sound world of the piece is composed by Sirja Puurtinen. In addition, Sielunkuu’s Tiina Pitkänen has prepared a fragrance for the exhibition that leads to the worlds of videos.
The exhibition culminates in Tähtien lailla –dance performance on the last weekend as part of the Performance Tent event in front of the gallery. Dancers and composers from the exhibition’s videos will participate in the performance.
Laura Pietiläinen and Sara Pathirane have been collaborating since 2019, creating performances, exhibitions and video works through the dialogue of dance art and visual art, surrendering to the meeting of two modes of expression and professionalism. Their video works have been presented internationally in Berlin, Palazzo Lucarini in Italy and the Adelaide Festival Center in Australia.
The artists thank the Art Promotion Centre Finland and AVEK for their support.
