3 - 26.1 2020
Egoscope 2020 - Solo show
Galleria Sculptor, Eteläranta 12, Helsinki
Egoscope 2020 presents new sculptures, installations and mechanical pieces on the theme of identity and optical illusions.
The exhibition is inspired by early animation machines and so-called philosophical toys: simple optical gadgets used to illustrate the limitations of human vision in the early 1800s. The fictional Egoscope – self-viewer – refers to these machines and to the idea that personal identity is but a constantly changing collection of perceptions: in other words, an illusion.
In her exhibition Emma Rönnholm presents us with intriguing visual riddles that change shape when seen from different perspectives, hide from our gaze or change under our very eyes. The works are sculptures and installations made with familiar household items, such as eyeglasses, mirrors, computer privacy screens and CD-s.
The timing of the exhibition compelled Rönnholm to deal with the rituals of the New Year.“The last exhibition I had in Helsinki was about Christmas, so I felt the need to make this one about the New Year. In my view the ritual of the year changing is all about personal identity: you look back to the months past and envision where you want to go or how you want to change in the future. I find it fascinating how society today is so obsessed with self-improvement, yet at the same time the very notion of a self is called into question by many scientific studies and philosophical theories. It’s a delicious paradox to work with.”
Egoscope 2020 invites everybody to critically – and playfully – examine the illusion of you and how it is created.
The exhibition is inspired by early animation machines and so-called philosophical toys: simple optical gadgets used to illustrate the limitations of human vision in the early 1800s. The fictional Egoscope – self-viewer – refers to these machines and to the idea that personal identity is but a constantly changing collection of perceptions: in other words, an illusion.
In her exhibition Emma Rönnholm presents us with intriguing visual riddles that change shape when seen from different perspectives, hide from our gaze or change under our very eyes. The works are sculptures and installations made with familiar household items, such as eyeglasses, mirrors, computer privacy screens and CD-s.
The timing of the exhibition compelled Rönnholm to deal with the rituals of the New Year.“The last exhibition I had in Helsinki was about Christmas, so I felt the need to make this one about the New Year. In my view the ritual of the year changing is all about personal identity: you look back to the months past and envision where you want to go or how you want to change in the future. I find it fascinating how society today is so obsessed with self-improvement, yet at the same time the very notion of a self is called into question by many scientific studies and philosophical theories. It’s a delicious paradox to work with.”
Egoscope 2020 invites everybody to critically – and playfully – examine the illusion of you and how it is created.
The installation 'Rainbows keep falling (on my head)' and on the wall 'At night all cats are gray' Picture: Titus Verhe /Galleria Sculptor
Sculptures 'Black Box' , 'Help Me See' , 'White Box' and 'Näkökulmakupla' Picture: Titus Verhe /Galleria Sculptor
Kinetic installation 'Pyyhkäisy / Swipe' Picture: Titus Verhe /Galleria Sculptor