The Poetic Peripheries exhibition at the Vivienne Crisp Gallery features artists Taina Kontio, Satu Miettinen, Mari Mäkiranta, and Melanie Saranto. This collective had previously displayed their work at the Kemi Art Museum. The artists, each researchers in their own right, explore themes of social responsibility, Arctic nature, global and local peripheries, and cultural identities. These themes are expressed through imagery of Arctic waters, landscapes, and people.One notable series in the exhibition is called “Smokes and Meditation,” which consists of self-portraits that delve into the embodied experience and the balance between body and mind. Often, we present ourselves in a “good light” or as our “presentable selves.” This can create pressure to conform to an idealized version of ourselves. The portrayal of womanhood is especially complex, as it constantly navigates the tensions surrounding nudity and the depiction of motherhood. Images can become iconic or subject to scrutiny, often needing to align with societal norms.Smoking, despite being unhealthy and dangerous, raises intriguing questions about self-image. What kind of persona does one project by smoking? Does it align with the roles we assign ourselves within postmodern discourse, or is it merely a performance? Can one indulge in hedonistic pleasures without being viewed as an outsider? What happens if your embodied self doesn’t fulfill competitive standards? Furthermore, what if you don’t conform to the prevailing ideals of health and beauty? This may render you a perceived threat in a medicalized society. However, there is also room for humor. Our perceptions of ourselves can be amusing and lighthearted.

Port Pirie Regional Gallery, 21.12.2019-26.1.2020, Port Pirie, Australia & Kemi Art Museum, 17.1.-8.3.2020, Kemi, Finland.