Deep Listening

With unwavering dedication, Maikki Toivanen, an artist and Honours student, embarks on a profound exploration in her dual capacity as both an artist and a curator. In the exhibition Deep Listening, she delves into the theme of natural locales, curating a collection of artworks, and found objects that illuminate the intricate relationship between our human experiences and the world around us. ..... By embracing the essence of curiosity and exploration, contemporary exhibitions often invite viewers to embark on a journey of observation, immersion, and contemplation around a certain theme. In a tribute to the ‘Wunderkammer’ concept, Toivanen has curated a diverse array of artworks, natural specimens, artefacts and furniture, with the aim of evoking a profound sense of ‘belonging’, ‘wonder’ and ‘appreciation’ among visitors. .... The setting actively encourages visitors to interact with the artworks in an intimate way, experiencing tactile or ‘haptic’ sensations with the objects. Through establishing visual, thematic, and narrative connections, this exhibition’s carefully chosen artworks and objects spark new conversations to awaken our sensory perceptions of both natural and constructed environments. Thus, the exhibition acts as a ‘canvas’ where every stroke of curation, every carefully placed piece and every supposed conversation between artworks blend seamlessly to create a symphony of creativity.

- Dr. Sarah Nejad, Supervisor