Maybe you want to help build or just have a conversation with the artist. All of those are possible. The invitation is simply to witness this stranger in relation to your city.
I am from Reykjavik is a durational performance taking over a central place in the city inviting audiences in conversation on the questions of place, space and belonging.
A woman builds a small house in a public space. Four strokes of paint sprayed on the asphalt form a square in the middle of the city. For seven straight hours, these marked boundaries will be the scene of an unusual encounter. Surrounded by plants, a framed family photo, a cup of tea ready to be made, and maybe some music, slowly and calmly, Sonia Hughes sets up a space for herself. I am from Reykjavik is part sculpture, part ceremony, part protest.
Where do you come from? What brings you here? What makes up your home? Simple as they may be, Sonia Hughes’ questions can seem almost impudent. Her performances, often involving some kind of participation, address identity through an open-ended, conversational approach. Poetic and unpretentious, her works are there to connect people.
Meet Sonia in Kuopio July 25-27th
“I’m arriving soon in Kuopio to build a shelter. I’d like to know what it’s like there. I’d like to meet some people in Kuopio who are a bit like me.
Are you at least one of these things:
a woman who will soon be 60
someone who cared for an elderly parent
a single parent of a single child
in a mixed-race relationship
someone who used to be a political activist and has become one again
fat
Black
a child of an immigrant
someone who is not sure they’re living in the right place
an artist for over 20 years
a very slow walker
someone who has been to jail
someone who likes gardening
someone who was born working class, but now is probably middle class
As part of my project ‘I Am From Reykjavik’ I would like to meet people a bit like me in Kuopio. You pick the place, I meet you, we have a chat, I’ll buy you a coffee, that’s it. If you’re curious to meet someone like you. “ -Sonia
