Jaakko Niemelä – Nostalgia

Nostalgia is a never-ending performance, where things happen in a predetermined order. The large size, soundscape and dramatic presentation of the exhibition are inspired by the world of opera. It is centred around massive structures that reach great heights. Their shadows create a dynamic movement. Two video animations, projected in large scale, depict the fierce storm encountered by an oceanliner (The Seventh Wave) and the final collapse (Nostalghia). The sounds in the exhibition consist of a grandiose choir piece by baroque composer Alessandro Scarlatti and ambient music composed by Jaakko Niemelä’s nephew Antti Niemelä. A tree is raining water in the animated video documentary (Departure).

Jaakko Niemelä (b. 1959) lives and works in Helsinki as well as in his birthplace of Rauma. Across his long career, the artist has expanded his expression from graphic arts to spatial, light and video works as well as public works of art. He has had numerous solo exhibitions and participated in joint exhibitions both in Finland and abroad. Niemelä has also worked with his wife, sculptor Helena Hietanen.

The exhibition has been curated by HAM curator Heli Harni. The exhibition has received support from Kone Foundation and the Alfred Kordelin Foundation.