Veronika Hösch
Dear HIAP studio two,
…a lid blink…two lids blink…a concert…accompanied in the rhythm of the snooze button…opening the gaze into the room from my otherworldly berth…getting up…getting down…opening the curtains…light enters the room…a first glance out of the studio windows at the Cable Factory and on the watch…click…photo… wonky…another one…maybe two, three on some days…but I never forgot about you …it feels like I found a morning ritual…changing seasons and light…a lot of light and warmth outside and inside…vapor...work-life balance... vapor…even more…less …hardly any fog…water…crystals…tears…clearness…snow…window opened…fogged up…vapor that stays in the room even after the first draft in the room…does not want to go away… everyday seaside noises from water animals, ships and people...muffled by the window at first, the sounds fill the studio room…waking up to those noises every day…and light that changes its color every second and recedes more and more over time…an (un)spectacular everyday joy for me…forever, I could live by the sea and listen to the murmur of the water. Helsinki, I will soon feel you again! Most warmly, Véro
Who may mourn (in public)? In view of the current multiple international crises, I researched collective mourning rituals and their potential for protest, change and strengthening community during my stay. My art research focused on the tradition of lamentation and on how transgenerational and interpersonal traumas are inscribed in our bodies and how they sound. Lamenting is an ancient oral tradition that combines singing and crying and that is performed by women in moments of transition in life. With the support of HIAP and local queer organizations, I was able to hold several emodiment workshops at the Cable Factory, also within the framework of the open studio days. During these workshops, we tested notations for transgenerational sound archives as well as for a live and video performance addressing various forms of collective mourning. I thank BMKOES for the privilege of letting me work as an artist-in-residence in Helsinki. This stay allowed me to deepen my artistic practice and research – without the permanent obligation of being available for jobs and projects. It was a time of “being”, winding down and togetherness. This time-out was not only incredibly special and beautiful, but also a challenge – and at the same time indispensable for the further development of personhood in interpersonal contacts. It was a time of feeling, acceptance and also failing. I had the opportunity to experience many wonderful, open encounters with other people as equals. I was given a lot. Kiitos!
| 1. | My stay in one word: |
| Growth | |
| 2. | Dos & don’ts in this place: |
| Helsinki and, in particular, the Cable Factory offer an impressive range of leisure and nature activities that allowed me to get much outside input on some days and to be by myself in absolute tranquility and seclusion on other days. Over time, the range of my movements adjusted more and more to seasonal light and weather conditions – from long, bright summer to cold, dark winter. The residency can be organized in a very personal and needs-oriented way. The Cable Factory itself perfectly matched my rhythm: Nothing had to happen, but everything was possible. There was always room for developing new ideas or simply introspecting silently. And sometimes, everything I needed was just five minutes away. The HIAP team was always highly professional and emphatic. In a nutshell: marvelous conditions for art experiments and production. A very personal highlight for me was that I was able to use the bicycle of a former HIAP resident of the Cable Factory. Thus, I experienced Helsinki in different light moods – from glowing summer evenings to quiet, snowy winter days. And honestly, I learned to love saunas.
Important: Do not leave the apartment and studio key in the lock! |
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| 3. | Things I miss since I am no longer there: |
| The light, the sea with all the day-to-day sounds, my working rhythm, the tranquility and the privilege to have time for myself and my art. And all the intense personal encounters. | |
| 4. | Where to shop great supplies: |
| I found things at Tori (online exchange platform), Kierrätyskeskus (second-hand textiles, accessories, etc.) and SWAMP (art material swap and waste management point). | |
| 5. | What you should definitely bring with you from home: |
| Hiking or rain boots for outdoor activities and clothes to be worn in layers depending on the season. | |
| 6. | Concerning art at this destination and where I visited the best exhibitions: |
| Being an artist-in-residence, I received tips on exhibitions, performances, readings, symposiums, workshops and projects from the HIAP team every day. There is much going on, both ON and OFF, and you have to define your own priorities. During my stay in Helsinki, I enjoyed the movie and performance offering very much and I can recommend the following institutions and festivals very warmly: Zodiak, Mad House, Kiasma Theatre, Theater Viirus, Kino Regina, Orion Cinema, Moving in November, Baltic Circle Festival, Rakkautta & Anarkiaa and many more... The Trans Library in Helsinki is also a wonderful place for reading and further research.
Tip: Most museums are free on one day a month and the Amos Rex accepts the Austrian artist ID card :) |
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| 7. | Around the studio – where I shop, drink my coffee and get the best lunch deal in walking distance: |
| You can get good filter coffee and korvapuusti at a relatively low cost at every corner in Helsinki. On special occasions and in company I liked to have wonderful tea and cake at Teemaa. In Helsinki eating and going out is very expensive so that I cooked myself practically every day. 24/7 and Lidl supermarkets are located in the vicinity of the Cable Factory and shopping can be combined well with a walk by the sea. At noon and after 9:00 pm, supermarkets also grant discounts. Towards the end of my residency, a former HIAP resident gave me a wonderful tip: In Helsinki, you can save money by entering buffets after 3:00 pm as you frequently only pay around 5 euro for the food. I will try that the next time when I am in Helsinki. | |
| 8. | Where I like to spend the evening (dinner, drinks, best sound and networking opportunity): |
| Networking often took place during and after events together with the other residents. HIAP played a key role in linking up artists with both international and local artists and curators. These e-connects enabled artistic encounters and intensive exchanges in a spirit of partnership, which was both inspiring and enriching. I drink alcohol very seldom, but sometimes we spontaneously had a beer after events we visited together. There we also received good insider tips (e.g. Jackies) from the HIAP team and local artists. Joint meals with the residents on Suomenlinna as well as the ferry trips back to Helsinki were atmospheric highlights during my stay. I enjoyed ending my working day with going for a swim and having a sauna session. And frequently, I also winded down reading aboard the ferry. | |
| 9. | What would have been useful to know before coming here and starting my residency: |
| The HIAP team prepared me excellently by giving me all the information required in advance of my residency. They were reliable and emphatic partners who supported me throughout the preparatory and follow-up process. It was particularly helpful that it was possible to communicate and clarify any questions on equipment and technology for the project as well as everyday life (e.g. screen) in advance. This support made it easy for me to get started and gave me much space for concentrating on my artistic activities. |
Website resident: veronikahoesch.com