Interactive artwork by Finnish Ekho Collective permanently on display in Malva
Finnish Ekho Collective’s artwork Ahto, which changes according to the flow of visitors, will be permanently on display in the Light Gallery of Lahti Museum of Visual Arts Malva. The work, which explores the different states of water, can be experienced at Malva from the opening day of the museum on 29 April 2022.
The impressive Ahto will be part of the museum experience of every visitor to Malva, as it is located in Malva’s 15 metres high lobby, the Light Gallery, which leads to all of the exhibitions. The multisensory work is specifically designed to be experienced in the Light Gallery. The design of the work takes into account the way museum visitors move in the space: the work constantly lives its own life through movement and the world of sound, but it comes to life in a different way when a museum visitor stops and looks at it.
Ahto utilises motion detection technology and a simulation algorithm to produce an ever-changing image and sound. The work can be viewed both from the first floor and from the Light Balcony, which is located on the third floor of the museum.
Ahto explores the different states of water through visual material and the world of sound. It has borrowed its form language from water, but a video image of the actual liquid is not seen in the work. Gurgling, splashing, rushing, among other things, have been recorded for Ahto’s world of sound. The work invites the public to take a quiet moment, as the world of images and sound changes when a visitor stops at the work.
The title of the work, Ahto, is a variation of the name Ahti, the water god of Finnish mythology. Ahto also refers to pack ice, an uneven ice sheet formed from an accumulation of ice blocks.
“We are hugely excited to be able present a work, designed particularly for Malva, that interacts with the public! The ever-changing work is different each time you encounter it, and interaction with the work is very natural,” says Malva Museum Curator Susanna Korhonen.
Ekho Collective, which consists of experts in art, design and technology, has been creating the work in collaboration with Malva since spring 2021. The collective as seven members, each of whom brings their own unique talent to the Malva work: Minja Axelsson, Essi Huotari, Saara-Henriikka Mäkinen, Joonas Nissinen, Ilmari Pesonen, Kalle Rasinkangas and Iina Taijonlahti.
“The Light Gallery’s unique architecture has inspired us and has made the creation of the work truly fascinating. We are very much looking forward to Ahto’s opening to the public, who will make a significant contribution to the overall experience of the work,” say Ekho Collective’s members.
Ahto is part of Malva’s art collection and will be on display in Malva until further notice.
Malva’s opening exhibitions feature top international design and treasures from the museum’s own collections
When Malva opens, it will present three exhibitions. The design superstar Maarten Baas, from the Netherlands, will open Malva’s international exhibition offering with his exhibition Hide and Seek, which is suitable for the whole family. The Lahti International Poster Triennial brings to Malva masters of graphic design from all over the world. The exhibition Roots – Treasures from the Collections will display pearls from the museum’s art, poster and furniture collections.
Towards the end of the year, solo exhibitions of three Finnish favourites, Marjatta Tapiola, Nanna Susi and Erik Bruun, will be open in Malva.