Steps in the City

In contemporary art, the city observed by artists and discussed by them in their art has changed from a concrete presentation to exploring the cityscape and urban space from different perspectives. The works in the exhibition examine the cultural meanings and visuality that are formed in the street space.

Street art, graffiti in particular, has highlighted the role of public space and art in the urban environment. The subculture and visuality of graffiti have also influenced contemporary art.

The works on display at the exhibition also approach the urban environment as a space that tells about power and a place where power is exercised. In addition to this, the exhibition discusses experiences related to the urban environment in terms of safety and insecurity.
With their works, the artists in the Vantaa Art Museum’s collection open up different perspectives on the theme of the exhibition. In addition, artists Taija Goldblatt, Leena Lehti, Otto Karvonen and Kim Somervuori have been invited to contribute to the exhibition.
Invited by Artsi, the exhibition also features Mimmit Peinttaa, a working group that specialises in street art and works for safe and equal urban culture. The artists of the working group, Ruusa and Viv Magia, will in cooperation with Vantaa residents create a community-based artwork, which will be completed in stages through workshops as part of the exhibition.

The artists in the exhibition:
Stig Baumgartner, BOING, Riitta Gartz, Taija Goldblatt, Olli Haikonen, Kari Juutilainen, Pekka Jylhä, Leena Lehti, Liisa Lounila, Otto Karvonen, Sami Korkiakoski, Kristian Krokfors, Sakari Marila, Kari Pärssinen, Silja Rantanen, Pekka Rytkönen, Pekka Ryynänen, Maiju Salmenkivi, Christina Snellman, Kim Somervuori, Trama, Jenni Yppärilä, working group Mimmit peinttaa: Ruusa and Viv Magia