UK-based artist and curators to visit 'Invisible Race' exhibition at the Finnish Museum of Photography

Cultural and political discussions about race often exclude the norm of whiteness, because people who are considered white think that discussions about race do not concern them. The group exhibition Invisible Race, organised by the Finnish Museum of Photography (opens a new window), examines the norm of whiteness and its relationship to photography from different perspectives, focusing in particular on issues of history, visual culture, ideals of beauty and nationalism.

Photography has been a key tool in the construction and maintenance of our racist society throughout history. Photography has been used to create a general image of what it is to be human – through the experiences of white people. At the same time, photography has been one of the most important art and media tools through which the bodies, experiences and existence of Black and Brown people, as well as indigenous people, have been reified and subjugated.

The exhibition opens up the Finnish Museum of Photography's own relationship to the norm of whiteness by critically examining, among other things, the museum’s collection. In addition to images dealing with whiteness, the exhibition will feature works by both Finnish and international artists that discuss Blackness and other non-white experiences. An extensive event program will be produced around the exhibition and the themes, continuing to explore the themes with different audiences and partners.

The Institute is supporting curators Bindi Vora (Autograph Gallery), Maggie Matic (Auto Italia), Lisa Anderson and Bolanle Tajudeen (Bolanle Contemporary, Black Blossoms) to travel to Helsinki for the exhibition and a curated programme, as well as artist Tayo Adekunle.

Exhibiting artists
Tayo Adekunle, Sim Chi Yin, Yujie Zhou, Minna Henriksson, Ima Iduozee, Uwa Iduozee, Nayab Ikram, Arthur Jafa, Kahlil Joseph, Raakel Kuukka, Rene Matić, Zanele Muholi, Karl Ohiri, Elham Rahmati, Lada Suomenrinne, AK Wane, Ana Zibelnik and Jakob Ganslmeier

Photo: Tayo Adekunle, 'Reclamation of the exposition', 2020, courtesy of the artist