Metamorphosis
Text by Mika Hannula
Metamorphosis
EMMA Espoo Museum of Modern Art
5.4.–3.9.2023
Metamorphosis is an interdisciplinary exhibition created uniquely for EMMA’s space by artist Hannaleena Heiska and dancer-choreographer Minna Tervamäki, featuring a short film, installation and a series of performances. The title refers to the exhibition’s transformative impact on both the museum space and the two artists’ respective practices through their seamless interdisciplinary collaboration, which now for the first time also assumes the form of an entire exhibition and short film.
An important part of the exhibition are the performances that will be staged in EMMA in April, May and August. As seen in previous works by Heiska and Tervamäki, the duo will transform the exhibition space through choreography and painting. During the exhibition, EMMA will host two different performances, Metamorphosis I and Metamorphosis II, each to be staged five times.
The performances are included in the price of admission. Please find the schedule of the performance below. Kindly note that you must book in advance via the event page of each performance.
The artists describe Metamorphosis as follows. “It proposes one possible way of being an artist, and one possible meaning of art. The abstract narrative is like an antidote to the hectic pace of contemporary life, just as painting and film are antidotes to today’s reality-distorting filters and wow culture. It evades categorization yet consists of recognizable elements. It invites you to plunge into a new kind of viewing experience and to open your mind to non-verbal narrative.”
Heiska and Tervamäki began their collaboration with Trace, which debuted at EMMA in 2016. Their return to EMMA in autumn 2023 is a logical continuation of their co-practice.
Heiska is a visual artist who works across the media of painting, drawing, video art, installation, and performance. Tervamäki is a dancer and choreographer who has had a long and celebrated career as principal dancer at the Finnish National Ballet. Today she focuses primarily on choreography and multidisciplinary projects.
The exhibition will be on view in EMMA Arena, the museum’s space for experimental projects.
Thank you: Avek, Finnish Cultural Foundation, Arts Promotion Centre Taike, Jenny and Antti Wihuri Foundation.
Performance Schedule:
Metamorphosis – Part I
Sat. April 29 at 3 p.m. (Q&A session with the artists will follow the performance)
Metamorphosis – Part II
Sat. August 19 at 3 p.m. (Q&A session with the artists will follow the performance)