Fragile Surface

Democracy is not a given – it requires continuous engagement, negotiation, and vigilance regarding how power is used, who uses it, and on whose behalf.

The exhibition explores the construction of power, the plurality of civil society, open dialogue, and people’s ability to participate, all of which are cornerstones of democracy. It examines how democratic decision-making takes place not only through elections, but also through everyday choices, community action, and opportunities for people to have their voices heard.

The exhibition approaches democracy from the perspectives of individual citizens, local communities, and global power holders alike. Eero Tiittula’s participatory performance Exchange (Vaihto) explores democracy through encounters, inclusion, and visibility. Enni-Kukka Tuomala’s work Voting (Äänestys) examines the citizen’s relationship to elections and democratic structures. Meanwhile, DISGRAGE! G.L.O.B.A.L. (HÄVETKÄÄ! G.L.O.B.A.L.) by Deos, Hende, and Crok raises questions of power and responsibility on an international scale. Through these perspectives, the exhibition reflects on the significance of democracy and the conditions necessary for its future.

As part of the exhibition, Artsi showcases a performance Exchange by artist Eero Tiittula. The performance is built around encounters between the artist and participants. During these encounters, held at Vantaa City Hall, Tiittula creates quick portraits of the participants, which replace the traditional portraits of city directors displayed in the building.

In this way, the artwork makes visible a fundamental principle of democracy: the face of power is not found solely in decision-makers, but also in the people affected by those decisions. The portraits created during the encounters are gradually transferred from City Hall to the Artsi exhibition, where the empty spaces reserved for them are filled over the course of the exhibition.

The exhibition features perspectives from artists in the Vantaa Art Museum’s collection as well as invited artists.

The artists of the exhibition:
Deos, Hende & Crok, Tellervo Kalleinen & Oliver Kochta-Kalleinen, Matti Kolehmainen, Martti Könönen, Erkki Kulovesi, Heidi Linsén, Pekka Mattila, Marjukka Paunila, Bita Razavi, Nanna Susi, Eero Tiittula, Katja Tukiainen, Enni-Kukka Tuomala, Risto Vilhunen

The exhibition is supported by the Finnish Heritage Agency with a grant for artists’ exhibition fees.