11/2/2010
Adel Abidin
Kiasma, Helsinki
The Finland-based Iraqi artist presents a series of new installations that merge sound, moving image and sculptural elements. Known for a sarcastic and ironic approach, Abidin challenges the audience to examine critically things like national and sexual identity and the concept of heroism. Contemporary in Studio K. a collection of Fire & Rescue Museum by Jussi Kivi.
The Finland-based Iraqi artist Adel Abidin (b. 1973) will present a series of new installations that merge sound, moving image and sculptural elements.
The Finland-based Iraqi artist Adel Abidin (b. 1973) will present a series of new installations that merge sound, moving image and sculptural elements. Known for a sarcastic and ironic approach, Abidin challenges the audience to examine critically things like national and sexual identity and the concept of heroism.
Abidin is a rising star in contemporary art. He has exhibited his work in the USA, France, the UK and Egypt. He represented Finland at the Venice Biennale in 2007. The exhibition opening in February will be Abidin's largest museum show to date in Finland.
One of the works in the show will be Abidin Travels, which was initially presented at the 2007 Venice Biennale. Using grotesque humour to examine the insanity of war, the work is an imaginary travel agency that advertises unique and alternative tours to Baghdad, a destination presented to the tourist as a fascinating place where "everything is forbidden".
Life and death is a recurrent motif in Abidin's work. "I call into question the narrow examination of humanity through life; is it really more important to live than to die?" Abidin asks.
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Jussi Kivi
12.02.2010 - 16.05.2010
Kiasma hosts in Studio K. a collection of Fire & Rescue Museum by Jussi Kivi (1959). The work was representing Finland in the 53rd International Art Exhibition the Venice Biennial 2009.
Jussi Kivi got the Ars Fennica Prize 2009.
The artist’s museum project is based on his long-term passion of collecting every imaginable item that ever has had something to do with firefighting.
Image: TASTY, Video installation, including two videos and cardboard, 2007
Press contact:
Communications Manager Merja Kukkonen +358 (0)9 1733 6507 piia.laita@kiasma.fi
Press launch on Thursday 11 February 2010, at 11 am.
Kiasma
Mannerheiminaukio 2 - Helsinki
open Tue: 10-17, Wed-Fri: 10-20.30
Sat-Sun: 10-18, Closed on Mondays
Admission fees
Adults 8€
Concessions 6€