The Dreamy Fish(Le poisson rêveur), 2023

Moving image, sound, ceramics, stones, sand, found objects

The installation component of the project is a crucial element that complements and enhances the narrative conveyed through the moving images. It serves as a physical representation of the themes and concepts explored in the artwork. The installation consists of various elements, including ceramic jugs, ceramic cups, found objects like a steel rack, a golden bowl, and natural materials like stones and sand. These elements are carefully arranged to create a visually captivating and thought-provoking experience. The concept behind the installation revolves around the interplay of contrasts. It juxtaposes ancient and futuristic elements, artificial and organic materials, and the playful with the serious. For example, the ceramic jugs, inspired by historical artifacts, are glazed with vivid, futuristic colors, symbolizing the contrast between the old and contemporary. The white pedestal on which they are placed represents the artificial and the virtual, further emphasizing the dichotomy between the past and the present. This contrast-rich environment aims to engage viewers in a multi-layered experience that challenges their perceptions. Moreover, the installations serve to bridge the gap between modern science and ancient animism, and between objectivity and belief. They create a tangible connection between the narrative’s surreal world and the viewers’ physical space, blurring the line between the virtual and reality. Through the combination of sculptures, found objects, and natural materials, the installation conveys a sense of archaeology, artifice, and futurism, highlighting the multifaceted relationship between humans and nonhumans. The juxtaposition of different elements within the installation aligns with the project’s overarching themes of the complex dynamics between humans and nonhumans, the blurring of distinctions between nature and culture, and the need to navigate these intricacies in a post-apocalyptic world.

It is part of the BFA exhibition 2023 at the Academy of Fine Art, Uniarts Helsinki.