OrigiNation

Sound Artist Jaakko Autio exhibition in Tampere Maja 21.10.-12.11.2023

The sound work of Helsinki-based sound artist Jaakko Autio consists of fragments of a song composed by Friedrich Pacius, which has been included in the national anthem by both Estonia and Finland.

“I am particularly pleased with the Tampere lodge’s connection to Tartu. The Estonian version of the tune was sung precisely in Tartu in 1869 at the first Estonian song festival”, says Autio. “The words are different, but our country’s song has one thing in common.”

The work was completed in 2022 in Narva. “Three choirs participated in the recording session, the youngest singers were 15 years old and the oldest 65 years old. In addition, I recorded the Nomad Vocals choir in Finland. Together, a new homeland was formed, which includes everyone regardless of ethnic background. Anyone who was willing to sing and breathe could become a part of this work”, describes the sound artist of the creation process of the work.

OrigiNation) reflects on man’s origin and belonging to the world. The piece consists of a multi-channel sound installation. It has 17 speakers. The audible sound vibrates in the water and forms cymatic patterns on the surface of the water. “The rippling on the surface of the water is a metaphor for the organic togetherness of people,” says Autio. The room has a motion sensor. When the space is empty or if a person visiting the space is sitting quietly next to the work, you can hear how singers from different ethnic backgrounds breathe together.

Jaakko Autio (born 1981) is a sound artist and sound designer living in Helsinki. Autio is from Ylivieska, but he spent his childhood (4-11 years) in Senegal. The time spent in Senegal has left its mark and is part of Auti’s way of perceiving reality and creating art. In his works, Autio examines the space between people, the relationship between one person and another, and the aesthetic experience (of catharsis).

In addition to sound art, Autio has worked as a sound designer in several city theaters and in the free art field, for example in dance art. He has studied sound design at Metropolia and Teatterikorkeakoulu in Helsinki.