In Search of the Present

In Search of the Present is a recurring exhibition concept at EMMA that was first presented in 2016. The exhibitions in the series explore the nature of the present and anticipate future developments through an intuitive artistic process. The show borrows its title from a collection of essays by author Olavi Paavolainen from 1929 in which he explores the experience and identity of humanity in an era of rapid change.

One of the issues explored by the featured artists is whether technology can help us not only achieve a greater understanding of ourselves but also forge a new non-exploitative relationship with nature. Artists are exceptionally gifted in thinking outside the box, which makes it particularly interesting to turn to them in our search for new ways to see humanity and navigate the challenges of today, such as the climate crisis and algorithmic systems. The artists participating in the exhibition are Refik Anadol, Dora Budor, Sougwen Chung, Heather Dewey-Hagborg, Stephanie Dinkins, Teemu Lehmusruusu, Rafael Lozano-Hemmer, Agnieszka Kurant, Brandon Lipchik, Jaakko Pietiläinen, Sondra Perry, Anna Ridler, Raimo Saarinen, Jenna Sutela, Jakob Kudsk Steensen and Lu Yang.

In Search of the Present also extends to the Touch exhibition, which showcases the Saastamoinen Foundation art collection. The foundation has purchased a large installation by Dora Budor entitled The Preserving Machine, as well as works by Sondra Perry and Jaakko Pietiläinen, all of which are linked to the themes of the In Search of the Present exhibition.