Pilvi Takala: Close Watch, Finland Pavilion

Artist Pilvi Takala presents a new exhibition at the Pavillion of Finland, “Close Watch,” for the 59th International Art Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia. Commissioned and produced by Frame Contemporary Art Finland, the artist’s video installation is curated by Christina Li. Created within architecture built by Studio L A, Takala’s multi-channel work is inspired by her time as a security guard in one of Finland’s largest shopping malls. The artist examines the theory and practice of security in modern society, and the way in which it defines public spaces, human behaviors, and relationships. Said Takala, “Workplace culture defines the boundaries of acceptable behavior. As a security guard, the role is learned almost entirely on the job, with norms and standards passed down from senior colleagues. In a high-stress environment, collegial support is essential, but what if your colleague is the aggressor? When is it necessary to break rank and how? I’m interested in how control is enforced by and within the private security industry, and how we ultimately govern each other’s behavior.”