Samir Bhowmik reflects on how humans take possession of nature with their infrastructure and technology. Bhowmik’s work in Helsinki Biennial is a series of expeditions tracing the route of an imaginary subterranean and underwater cable through the island of Vallisaari, with the artist serving as tour guide and narrator.
Samir Bhowmik (b. 1975) is a multi-disciplinary artist and architect, engaged in artistic projects in Berlin, New York and Helsinki. His current work examines the architectural, infrastructural and energetic entanglements of cultural memory and the environment. Using multi-sensorial methods to investigate infrastructure, he attempts to generate poetic vignettes between the clashing of multiple materialities, networks and bodies. Through performance installations, Bhowmik often creates participatory narratives, and immersive performances that act as probes within which the imaginaries of hidden, contested and lost topographies unfold.
Samir Bhowmik: Lost Islands, 2021 ©Maija Toivanen/HAM/Helsinki Biennial 2021
Lost Islands, 2021
In his work for Helsinki Biennial, Samir Bhowmik reflects on how humans take possession of nature with their infrastructure and technology. Lost Islands is a series of expeditions tracing the route of an imaginary subterranean and underwater cable through the island of Vallisaari, with the artist serving as tour guide and narrator.
The expeditions venture into the island’s topography, forested pathways, waterways, historical buildings, ruins and bunkers. Along the way, visitors are engaged and immersed in installations, film, theatre, contemporary dance, song, and experimental music. The expeditions will take place as a series of events staged on the island from June to August.
Samir Bhowmik
Lost Islands
2021
Performative expedition, video installation, cable installation and assemblage
Concept, Planning, Choreography: Samir Bhowmik
Performer, Co-Choreography: Esete Sutinen
Performers: Jani Toivola, Amira Khalifa, Geoffrey Erista
Sound Design: Viljami Lehtonen
Vocals: Dallas Ulla
Dramaturgy: Michelle Orenius, Warda Ahmed
Cinematography: Christopher Thomas
Costume Design: Hanne Jurmu
Motion Design, Animation: Oskar Koli
Production Assistant, Host: Tero Kaipanen
Advisor: Jussi Parikka
The project is based on artistic research funded by the Kone Foundation https://koneensaatio.fi/en/imaginary-natures/
Signals from the Sea
2021
video animation
Concept & Planning: Samir Bhowmik
Motion Design, Animation: Oskar Koli
Music: Viljami Lehtonen
Vocals: Dallas Ulla