06.09.2022

Georg Jagunov: Ancylus and Dana

The fourth exhibition of the WAMx 2022 exhibition series Institute of Coexistence presents Georg Jagunov's project Ancylus and Dana, which reflects on how we can at present day reconnect with geological and biological domains that have been around for many millions of years.

For the past five years Georg Jagunov has been working on indoor biotope installations (i.e. Geosanctuaries). These enclosed micro-landscapes refer to 80 million year old flint formations in Denmark, the post-glacial landscapes of Northern Europe, prehistoric archeology and ancient mythology of Denmark and Finland.

The interdisciplinary practice behind the biotope installations is being developed in collaboration with experts from various scientific and creative fields. The amount of light and moisture inside the biotope is controlled via a programmable system to create optimal conditions for plants. The installation at WAMx is Jagunov’s biggest up to date measuring around four square meters. The stones and mosses have been collected by the artist on various locations in Denmark and Finland. Wandering into a landscape to find elements for his installations is an essential part of Jagunov’s artistic practice.

The artist aims to create spaces for contemplation and focus. While primarily working with local (North European) material, Jagunov’s installations draw inspiration from Zen gardens and other Japanese techniques of arranging stones, mosses and plants. A voice narrative can be heard through the earphones attached to the installation. In a journey through time and space the visitors get to discover and experience hidden geochemical realms and ancient worlds of green.

WAMx 2022

Institute of Coexistence is created in response to the current ecological, social, and biological crises. The aim is to reflect on and investigate alternative ways of coexistence that may create a better world. The physical and theoretical framework of the exhibition series has been created by Danish artist Gry Worre Hallberg.

The four artists in the series take their turn in the space, resonating with the existing framework. The institute is divided into two rooms: in the first one the four artists unfold their perspective on coexistence and interaction between humans and other species. In the second room they all leave behind a small presentation reflecting on the artistic research they have conducted while inhabiting the institute.

The four artists in the series were selected through an open call held in autumn 2021. The exhibitions have been chosen by curator Mikkel Elming and artist Gry Worre Hallberg, in co-operation with WAM, Turku City Art Museum. Elming is the director of the Glasmuseet Ebeltoft Glass Museum and the founder of FSK – The Association for Contemporary Art. Hallberg is the artistic director and founding member of the Sisters Hope collective.