Thursday, May 28, 7:00 p.m.
Friday, May 29, 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, May 30, 3:00 p.m.

Every ritual is a space that transforms the body, and vice versa;
if one is fully present, the ritual reflects reality without distraction;
it becomes a mirror.

“For Every Home, a Stone ” is a performance that examines the imbalances caused by development models based on the exploitation of raw materials. The title refers to Korean stone towers known as 돌탑/doltap*, in which each stone is placed as a prayer, a memorial, or to leave a mark of one’s presence. Each 돌탑/doltap is a bridge or a tension between the weight of the metaphysical and the physical.

Inspired by Deborah Levy’s term “unreal estate**,” this performance examines how the market determines whose dream homes become a tangible reality and whose are still in limbo between memory and algorithm. “for every home, a stone” is structured in a spiral where narratives of oppression/liberation, personal/collective, and natural/artificial entwine.

The stones in the performance are collected from construction sites around Helsinki area, as are the other materials of the set. The developmental purpose of the raw material is extracted and an alternative one is performed.

taken, scattered, and piled up again;

as the song plays, stones crumble and sand shifts;

metal bends in the cardinal directions

After the performance, the audience is invited to stay and interact with the installation that lingers after the performance. Snacks and tea are offered.

*Although this presentation focuses on 돌탑/doltap, stacking stones is a common practice in many cultures and on hiking trails around the world. This practice can be seen as a way to build a small home for your wishes.

**This term is found in Levy’s novel *Real Estate*.

Working Group:
Artist, poet & performer: Alexandra Mitiku
Sound designer, musician & performance artist: Saana Pohjonen
Production: Mad House Helsinki & Reality Research Center
Supported by: Kone Foundation

Bio

Alexandra Mitiku (b. 1992) is a Korean-Ethiopian artist and poet using the concept of paradise as a segue to explore migration and imperialism, particular looking at the role of imagination and desire.

As a form of world-building, she creates modern mythologies by connecting stories of the past with current realities. Materiality is the main narrator in her works, and it often inspired by the poetry she writes. Created primarily with organic and recycled elements her works bridges between memory, landscape and body.

Saana Pohjonen (b. 1995) is a sound designer, musician, and performance artist. She plays the drums and uses her vocals among other instruments combined with electronic music production to create sonic worlds. Music is a microcosm, a space of limitless experience and interpretation, a place to face the world or find solace in it.