This spring’s IHME contemporary art festival brings one of the world’s leading contemporary artists to Finland. IHME is proud to present three pieces by Jeremy Deller: Acid Brass (1997), 24 Hour Rockshow and Do Touch, The IHME Project 2015. This year’s IHME festival will take place in Helsinki on March 27–29.
London-based Jeremy Deller (b. 1966) is one of the UK’s best-known contemporary artists. Deller was awarded the Turner Prize in 2004 and he represented Britain at the Venice Biennale in 2013. His work includes performances in public space, exhibitions, films and video. Deller often deals with social change mirrored through popular culture. His work is often collaborative, bringing together different community groups in his creative fusions.
Deller was invited to work on the 2015 IHME Project because his creative goals are uniquely matched with those of the Festival: producing and presenting art in public space, bringing people together, sparking collective associations and connecting with new audiences.
“This year IHME takes great pleasure in collaborating with Jeremy Deller on two projects. Do Touch brings exhibits from historical museums into public spaces where members of the public are free to hold items that are normally quarantined behind glass. 24 Hour Rockshow is an amazing artist-curated 24 hour compilation of rock documentaries from the 1950s to the present day,” reveals Paula Toppila, IHME Executive Director.
IHME is a contemporary art festival held annually in Helsinki, featuring a commissioned work of art in a public space, as well as lectures, discussions and art education projects. Since 2009 IHME has brought an exciting array of new public art commissions and recognized international artists to Finland, including Antony Gormley, Susan Phlipsz, Superflex and Yael Bartana.
“IHME aims to broaden understanding of contemporary art and what an art experience can be in a public space and public life today. IHME always offers surprises, something new and unexpected, encouraging people to take a chance with artistic endeavours that often unfold through active participation. IHME is Helsinki’s annual, once-in-a-lifetime experience for lovers of art and culture,” describes Toppila.
IHME Contemporary Art Festival 2015, Helsinki, March 27–29
Photo: Veikko Somerpuro