This piece is based on scientific film footage shot by the Finnish Geodetic Institute in Poroluoto, western Finland in 1945. Filmed during a total eclipse of the Sun, this was the first time in history that sound film was used to measure the exact geographical distance between two continents, Europe and North America. The scientists attempted to calculate the passage of time by beaming long-wave radio signals into space and synchronizing these signals with their cinematic observations. 

The experiment failed, however, due to loading errors and mechanical running problems with the newly introduced 35 mm cameras.

The work consists of two separate reels – positive (“The Sun”) and negative (“The Moon”) – projected simultaneously, superimposed on a wall. The piece pays homage to the early pioneers of scientific film, a celebration of our subconscious dark side and interplanetary shadows. (MT / translation: Silja Kudel)

Sound Design: Olli Huhtanen, Production: Kinotar / Cilla Werning, Lasse Saarinen

Selected screenings

• Message to Man, Cinema Aurora, St. Petersburg, Russia, 2019
• Seismic Ooze, ICA London, 2017
• Aikakoneita – Time Machines, Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art, Helsinki, 2013
• Midnight Sun Film Festival, Sodankylä, Finland, 2013
• IFFR Rotterdam, The Netherlands, 2013
• Kontraste Festival, Krems, Austria, 2012
• Zone d’éclipse totale, Dazibao, Centre de photographies actuelles, Montréal, Canada, 2007
• Eclipse, RAM Gallery, Rotterdam, The Netherlands, 2007
• Ann Arbor Film Festival, USA, 2007
• Lost & Found, S.M.A.K. Stedelijk Museum voor Actuele Kunst, Gent, Belgium, 2006
• Toronto International Film Festival, Canada, 2006

Two track-mounted video projectors move back and forth slowly, showing appropriated scientific footage of common toads (Bufo bufo) trying to catch rubber “worms” in a 1990s laboratory experiment. As the light gradually grows dimmer, their reactions grow slower until darkness eventually ends their hunt.

The original footage was shot during a scientific experiment conducted at the University of Helsinki: Visual acuity of the common toad at low luminance levels: reactions of retinal neurotransmitters and predatory accuracy, A.-C. Aho, K. Donner, S. Helenius, T. Reuter & T. Seppä, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, 1997. (MT / translation: Silja Kudel)

Technical realisation: Jari Lehtinen, Production: Kinotar / Lasse Saarinen

Exhibitions:

• Blackout, Hämeenlinna Art Museum, Finland 2015–2016
• Aikakoneita – Time Machines, Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art, Helsinki, 2013
• Tomorrow’s New Dawn, Contemporary Art Museum, St. Louis, USA, 2013
• Installaatioita – Installations, Galleria Heino, Helsinki, 2010

The passage of time wipes out electromagnetic data flows on VHS tape: this gradual decay is a painful reminder of my own inevitable ageing. I am no longer able to remember names, places and numbers as well as I once did. The piece is a metaphor for memory processes: a seven-minute brain scan. The no-budget music promo clip commissioned by the Finnish band Kiila is based on an instructional videotape. (MT / translation: Silja Kudel)

Selected exhibitions:

• Blackout, Hämeenlinna Art Museum, Finland 2015–2016
• Aikakoneita – Time Machines, Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art, Helsinki, Finland, 2013
• Tomorrow’s New Dawn, Contemporary Art Museum, St. Louis, USA, 2013
• On The Spot #4, Badischer Kunstverein, Karlsruhe, Germany, 2008
• Lost and Found, S.M.A.K. Stedelijk Museum voor Actuele Kunst, Gent, 2006
• Human Engineering, Migros Museum für Gegenwartskunst, Zürich, 2005