Helmenpunoja (Pearl Weaver): Mari Hokkanen’s photography exhibition about Persian poetry at Yö Galleria 28.1.-13.2.2022.
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 and modern Persian poetry.
I visited Iran three times to work in residencies as well as travel the country as an independent visual artist. I set up my stage wherever I could: In the desert, in the houses of the people I met, in guest houses and residencies.
In addition to the images, the project includes 5 videos that portray classical and modern Persian poetry in Fars and in Finnish. Some of the featured poems have been translated to Finnish for the first time. Video soundscapes were created in collaboration with composer Marouf Majidi and sound Designer Jaakko Autio. Video post-production by Babak Arzani. Translations by prof. Jaakko Hämeen-Anttila.
I was given a book by Hafez, one of the most famous Sufi poets from the 14th century, as a gift from a lover. We were in our twenties, a rose and a nightingale. We spent numerous nights with our friends asking Hafez; how we should live our lives? Years later at the grave of Hafez I realized that everyone is looking for his advice.
Poetry is my comfort; when the world around me goes crazy, the poets remain sane. They know that one should enjoy the wine and the meadow now, for tomorrow this will be someone else’s garden. They know that not much changes among people and after all we are just clay for tomorrow’s pottery yet behind the curtain the secret remains.
During my journey through unknown landscapes it was my map in trying to understand my surroundings. It was my script telling me how to play my scenes. It was my language for befriending strangers and together we created something new.
Helsinki based photo-artist Mari Hokkanen (b.1979) builds her performative self-portraits to communicate her experiences and thoughts on cultural and political phenomenons. Playful improvisation and experimental use of materials are important working methods for her. Hokkanen often uses naive and comical approaches to tackle more in-depth viewpoints.
She is currently completing a Master of Arts in Photography at Aalto University, School of Arts, Design and Architecture. Her works have been displayed in solo and group exhibitions in Finland and internationally, including Photographic Centre Nykyaika (2021), MuuKaapeli (2018), Villa Rosa (2016).
In addition to private collections, Hokkanen’s works can be found in the collections of the Turku City Museum and the State Art Commission.
More info: Mari Hokkanen
p. 050 44 100 38
marihokkanen.com