We have now selected 8 applications out of the 148 we received through the open call, and these will form the basis of our exhibition program for the years 2025 and 2026 (spring/summer). We are grateful to all applicants for their thoughtful and inspiring submissions. The quality of the submissions was high, with a wide range of creative approaches to the theme "Fabrics of Safety."
We wanted to create a programme where artists approach the theme in their own way and from different perspectives. The creative use of photography played a key role in the selection of projects. The projects selected for the programme reflect the diversity of the 2025 applications and the diversity of the applicants. The projects address safety from the perspectives of home, body, work, community and social structures, among others. The selected authors are at different stages of their careers.
The selected artists are: Onur Tayranoğlu, Frida Lisa Carstensen Jersø, Navid Afzalnia, Aarni Pieski and working group, Vinayak, Salamata Mboup, Iiris Elina Rusi, and Z Walsh.
The jury members were The Finnish Museum of Photography’s chief curator of exhibitions Tiina Rauhala, the museum’s exhibition curators Orlan Ohtonen and Päiviö Maurice Omwami and the outside member artist, curator and researcher Farbod Fakharzadeh.
University trainee Soyoung Christina Chung was the project coordinator for the open call.
Theme of the open call 2025: Fabrics of Safety
Safety is something that everyone needs, many seek, and everyone has some kind of relationship with. Safety is sought in various things, including people, spaces, culture, activities, strength, violence, knowledge, faith, art, home, borders, substances, power, control, and love. The theme of the 2025 open call at the Gallery of the Finnish Museum of Photography is The Fabrics of Safety. Since safety consists of countless elements for both individuals and communities, its nature can be contemplated in many ways. What is safety and how is it formed? What is the relationship between the feeling of safety and reality and illusion? Can securitization ensure safety for everyone?
