As this is going to be more or less a site-specific work, and so hopefully somewhat related to Kamppi as a space, I began the work with some observations. The main theme, which I eventually selected as a guideline for the concept development, highlights the evolution of shopping malls into small cities, or organisms, where people work, shop, wait, spectate and form social connections. A feature particular to Kamppi is the combination of a commercial space (for shopping) and a (semi-)public space (for transportation).
Having lived in Helsinki for a long time (and having walked through Kamppi multiple times) I was interested in the ability to observe this space and its everyday actions from an other angle, as an outside spectator. The main inspiration for my work, therefore, became from different type of monitoring rooms separated from the life outside, but also the play between the roles of an actor and a spectator on the other sides of a dividing plane. This is the first perspective: seeing and being seen.
Another main perspective associated with this idea appears in a weird, but rather popular concept of slow television. The interesting thing in this phenomenon is the ability to display something completely ordinary, but breath life into it by filtering it through a screen, allowing one to spectate "from above", in contrast to "together".
Andy Warhol, Sleep
I selected one more specific source for inspiration, the film "Dogville" by Lars Von Trier. This film shows similar themes by playing with the real and unreal, integration and alienation.
Lars Von Trier, Dogville
Following these sources of inspiration I wanted to create a space within the space, which allows exiting the everyday and entering a space void of time and action. Another perspective I was interested in is how by offering a space for one to spectate the performance of the shopping mall, they also become the objects for spectating, putting themselves "on display".
Some sketches
The basic construction of the work then started to mold into a box-shaped space with a window and seat. The goal with the structure is to achieve a space, wich from the inside resembles a film screen (or a large tv-screen), and from the outside a shop window.
A first 3D-sketch of the concept
The placement of this work is critical both for the purpose of fulfilling the concept, but also for inviting people to interact with the work. As the primary spot I selected the main plaze, as it offers a natural stage with idle people around, but possibilites for change are left open at this point.
A visualization of a possible placement
For now the development of the concept continues by decisions on the final form to keep it in line with the concept and to amplify the selected themes, and then finally the construction of the work.
More to follow...
