Dialogue and a series of moments

A round photo shows, from above, a woman’s hands reaching in from the left; her right hand holds a green glass. A hand holding a yellow glass is at the top right. At the bottom are 10 glasses of various colors. Text on the black background says, “They raise their glasses.”

Materials:: Video
Dimensions:: 29 min.
Made:: The Netherlands, Amsterdam : 2017
Credit:: Performers: Laura Puska and Youri Houkes. Translation and narration: Pipsa Toikka

Artist(s):

Puska, Laura: born: 1986; Finland

Selector Statement

Gestures represent a voice, and these gestures—mediated through the tool of glass—have become the main vocabulary in this wordless dialogue. As a viewer who does not understand the spoken language in the video, I’m reminded of the Finnish word sisu, which describes a special courage, determination, and silent communication that is found only in the northernmost part of the hemisphere, more precisely in Finland.

–Johnsen, Susanne Jøker