M_itä Biennial, Joensuu Art Museum · 2023 · Part II of the Border Series · Suomeksi
After ON THE BORDER, I returned to Narva to record without the urgency that had shaped the first work. Young singers and their teacher worked with a framework for improvisation. I asked each singer why singing mattered to them.
In Joensuu, voices, fragments of interviews and sung material moved through the museum in Finnish, Russian, Estonian and English. The installation had no single beginning or listening position. A visitor could remain with one voice or follow the changing field through the building.
RETURNING TO NARVA
The singers could perform with great precision. When I invited free improvisation, one replied that they could do it if I gave them the sheet music. The moment stayed with me. It showed how a structure can both hold a person and make a different choice possible.
DOCUMENTATION
CREDITS
Sound artist and convener: Jaakko Autio
Music collaboration: Jussi Mattila
Participating singers: Finnish, Estonian and Narva based vocalists
Commissioned by M_itä Biennial, Joensuu Art Museum
