Mari Hokkanen
Pearl weaver 2019–2021
Nykyaika
2.10.-26.10.2021
Poetic phrasing is often compared to a pearl in Islamic culture. A poem can be seen as a string of pearls. Helmenpunoja is a string of photographic poems and performances with symbolic references to the world of ancient Persian poetry.
The images are influenced by the oldest poetry known to humanity. However, they reflect the foundation which I stand on as a photographer. My first visit to Iran in 2016 was to visit the grave of the great 15th century poet Hafez. The following years I went back to Iran two times, working in residences, familiarizing myself with the culture and poetry and of course to take photographs.
In addition to the images, the exhibition includes 5 videos. These short films feature symbolic gestures, themes, objects and elements referring to Persian poetry. Videos portray classical and modern Persian poetry in Fars and in Finnish. Two of the featured poems are translated to Finnish for the first time and will have their world premiere in Valokuvakeskus Nykyaika. At the exhibition, in a separate space, the audience will have a chance to learn about Persian poetry in english, fars, and finnish.
Video soundscapes are created in collaboration by iranian composer Marouf Majidi and sound Designer Jaakko Autio. Video post-production by Babak Arzani. Translations by prof. Jaakko Hämeen-Anttila.
The exhibition has been supported by: Arts Promotion Centre, The Finnish Cultural Foundation, AVEK, Finnfoto and Svenska Kulturfonden.