Musical Manifest reflects on the instability of identity in moments of displacement, when the usual anchors of birthplace, memory, and belonging begin to unravel.
The six-channel installation centers on two visually clear and audible videos—The Ladder and RK7—which represent the past and present of the central figure.
In The Ladder video, the artist physically animates a toy fitted with a 3D-printed replica of his own head, guiding it upward until it becomes independent, flying into a hand-drawn spaceship on canvas. The toy sings newly composed lyrics sourced from well-known pop songs, evoking longing and transformation.
RK7 video presents the artist in the present, firing a rifle with controlled anger. Together, these works act as emotional anchors—one imagining escape, the other confronting rage and loss.
After each loop, the clear videos shift to new screens, prompting all channels to relocate. Only one plays with sound at a time; the rest remain silent. The four additional channels appear in distorted, muted VHS-like imagery, resembling unreliable memories or imagined scenarios.
Video installation views
Video stills
Details:
- Installation: Six synchronized channels
- Dur.: 08:15 min (seamless loop)
- Channel switching at each cycle
- Prod. co. Woodpecker
- Lyrics & music: Sami Rahola
- Dop & edit: Martin Jäger
- C.: Saastamoinen Foundation, Espoo, FI