Pia Männikkö: Midsummer Night's Dream
Kinetic light and sound installation, variable dimentions
Several rescue blankets are combined into one large golden blanket, oscillating tabletop fans are placed behind or under the big blanket to make its wavy movement. The lights that hit the blanket are reflected all around the installation space. Blanket’s movement makes a sound like the wind rustling in trees. Installations size, shape and lighting changes according to the space. The work is about the contrast of how emergency blankets, which are used in life-threatening situations, can also create a mesmerizing, artificial natural phenomenon. With the Mediterranean refugee crisis, images of these blankets being used in real-life situations add new layers of meaning to the installation. Set against the backdrop of a beautiful seaside sunset, the agony of refugees in that same environment appears increasingly cruel, and the associated policies far more inhumane. The work presents a paradox: it evokes a sensory pleasure that makes the horrifying reality feel all the more disturbing.
Information
Artwork finished in:
2026
Light sources, other materials and equipment used:
Rescue blankets, cable wire, oscillating tabletop fans, spot lights (optional)
Dimensions of the work, approximately (width-height-depth):
Size and shape of work can be adjusted. Minimum size of the blanket could be about 4x5 meters.
Approximate dimensions of the work for mailing / sending.:
For example 1050 cm x 1120 cm size blanket can be folded into 80 x 60 x 15 cm box. Fans and other equipment can be bought on location, or sent also.
Power consumption:
Standard mains current (10A/16A)
Sound in artwork:
ambient sound
Support and other structures:
The work needs support structures, hanging points, or similar
Structures, hardware and other equipment needed from the client.:
Hooks on walls (or other hanging structure), wire cable, turnbuckles. Fans if they are not sent with the blanket.
Minimum height of the space:
280 cm
Minimum square meters of the space:
40 m2
Requirements for the space: darkness, temperature, colouring (light / dark / specific colour / other) etc:
The work can be shown in many different spaces and lighting conditions, even in natural daylight.
Building time and people required (estimate):
Blanket is usually prepared beforehand. Building on site 3-5 hours depending on size, shape and space. Two people minimum required.
Artist's presence:
Guidance can be provided for building
