FinnCycling-Soumi-Perkele! Vol. 2
2017
Participatory video installation, 60”00, color, sound
Finnish spoken with English subtitles
Courtesy of the artist
Perkele is a cursing word in Finnish and refers to the devil. Suomi means “Finland” in Finnish, but
Soumi means absolutely nothing. FinnCycling-Soumi-Perkele! dives into the dark side of Finland. It is a combination of politics, dark humour and protest rap in a form of an indoor cycling exercise: one woman’s gritty protest against all-male austerity politics.
The video installation resembles a basic workout program, in that it includes rhythmic rap songs and instructions for indoor cycling. The viewers/participants can cycle through the programme with the artist projected on the screen. The artist herself serves as the fitness instructor, spouting her own monologues, interfering with the lyrics by shouting and also encouraging the audience to take part and sing along. Aggression and rage as well as tragicomedy are present as the artist sweats, swears and pedals for her life against patriarchy.
The artwork was originally created as a statement against Finland’s previous government, led by the Prime Minister Juha Sipilä (2015–2019). The piece explores burning global topics—such as unemployment, precarious conditions for workers, gendered violence and increasing inequality—in a local context.
Artist’s Bio:
Martta Tuomaala (MA, b. 1983) is a multidisciplinary artist based in Helsinki. Tuomaala focuses on various forms of film, video and installation. Her artistic practice involves elements of socially engaged art and militant research. Common themes in her artworks include workers’ everyday lives, the struggles of individuals and communities, and the abuse of power. Tuomaala’s artworks have been exhibited in various festivals and exhibitions internationally.