Antti Laitinen Liverpool Biennial

Antti Laitinen’s work stems from performances which are documented through photographs, videos or objects – the records of these performances are therefore processed to create new works in entirely different contexts and thus incorporating several temporal stages. By way of documentation and the switch between media and presence – that quintessential ingredient of performance, the becoming of the work – becomes independent object.

Combining a search for identity and a poetry of the absurd, the artist pushes his limits (both physical and mental) in quest of the discovery of the wild Nordic landscape, often devoid of any human trace. Led by an undeniable humor and irony, Laitinen’s work immerses us into a world in which heroism meets simplicity through captivating images, recalling the relationship between humanity and nature.

Laitinen’s work draws on environmental art, land art and performance art. By scanning a self portrait onto a map he creates a route to follow. He orienteers along the outline of his image, allowing for the limitations set by nature or construction, and later creates an image of a new environment using GPS (Global Positioning Systems) technology.

''I printed my portrait on various maps. Then I started
to orientate the maps following the lines on my face.
On my arm I carrid a satellite recorder (GPS) drawing
the path that I walked.''