Helsinki Arthall / studio / 21.8. - 3.10.2004

(pressreleace by curator Susanna Santala)

Marcus Lerviks: Enter Tina Turner The autumn season in Kunsthalle Studio opens with Enter Tina Turner, an interactive video and light installation by Marcus Lerviks. The installation consists of lamps, a microphone and a videotape, plus a network of cables linking them together. The work invites the spectator to step up to the microphone, to assume the place of a singer in the limelight. The sound system turns on ten 150W light bulbs trained on the spectator to emphasise his or her place at the centre of attention.

The person in the video seeks admission to a concert by Tina Turner to film the artist. The camera zooms through the wire netting at a security guard standing in front of the stage. We cannot see the artist, Tina Turner, herself, but in the background we hear music and the artist speaking. Lerviks' work takes an interesting look at the cult of stardom and publicity, as well as more modest forms of everyday heroism, exposure and presence. The work challenges the spectator to take the plunge and step into the spotlight.

Marcus Lerviks (b. 1969) uses video as his principal medium. His works are typically installations employing video, spatial elements, lights and sound. Characteristically the works position the spectator in the space in relation to low bass sounds, lights or constructions, for example. There is often a performative dimension to the works as well. Many of them address the issue of interpersonal interaction, often with an attitude of ironic observation.
Lerviks studied art at Svenska konstskola i Nykarleby and in the Pallas programme at the University of Art and Design Helsinki. Most recently Lerviks' work has been presented in Kiasma in summer 2004, in the Helsinki City Art Museum Tennis Palace gallery in spring 2004, and the Lönnström Art Museum in winter 2003. His works have also been presented at screenings in Berlin and Malmö.