Ilkka Paloniemi (FI) — Seismic Pulse

Event Introduction

NB: The artwork is located between Armi Ratia Park and Laivasillankatu.

Seismic Pulse visualizes an invisible natural phenomenon through art and invites the viewer to imagine their own interpretations of it.

The Earth’s crust trembles every 26 seconds. This regular and clearly recurring “pulse” has been localized to the Gulf of Guinea, off the west coast of Africa. The vibration is small, but its unknown cause raises questions: Is the pulse the Earth’s breath, a heartbeat, the rumble of a machine, or a spinal adjustment?

Paloniemi was fascinated by the idea of the Earth’s sound. He sketched concepts and recorded sounds from around the world via radio: static and hum, encrypted number stations, distant broadcasts, and Morse code. Paloniemi explored what the Earth’s sound is and how it resonates. These sounds are featured in the piece, combined with harmonic chords representing the Earth’s harmony. Paloniemi’s characteristic laser light highlights the phenomenon, illustrating its geological and cosmic scales.

The Kaivopuisto tunnel and railway cutting were chosen as the installation’s location as they bring us closer to the Earth’s core, tectonic plates, and magma. The perspective is directed straight down, beneath our feet.

Ilkka Paloniemi
Ilkka Paloniemi is an artist, curator, and designer working in the fields of light, art, and architecture.

Sound design: Aki Päivärinne
Programming: Antti Kaukinen
Laser programming: Otto Suojanen
Laser system: Pekka Korpi
Sound system: Tero Arnberg, Jukka Lapinharju

In co-operation with:

Granlund

Categories

City Center

Map