Kiasma | Museum of Contemporary Art

The infinite expanse of space and the mystery of human existence on our planet have intrigued artists throughout the ages. This exhibition invites visitors to explore humanity’s relationship with the environment, other species, and technology. What is our role and future in the universe?

The common thread in the works featured in this exhibition is our knowledge and ideas about outer space. Humans have always sought to imagine the unknown. One recurring theme is the possible existence of life on other planets, which has fuelled our imaginations and inspired countless works of fiction.

Digitalisation and technology offer us new perspectives on the future. Artificial intelligence and robots, once the stuff of science fiction, are now part of our everyday lives. While these developments are exciting, they also raise concerns: how human-like should we allow machines to become, and will they eventually replace human workers – including artists?

Digitalisation is also dependent on the Earth’s natural resources. As we consume these resources and alter our environment, we risk making it unliveable for many species, eventually ourselves as well.

The exhibition features works by 22 artists or artist groups, including paintings, photographs, collages, assemblages, prints, videos, installations, and a robot. The oldest piece dates back to the 1700s, while the most recent were created in 2024. Most of the works are being displayed in Kiasma for the first time.

The exhibition also provides information about space exploration, UFOs, and alchemy, among other topics.

Artists: Greta Alfaro, Anonymous, Richard A Carter, Kari Caven, Erno Enkenberg, Petri Eskelinen, Teresa Fernandez-Pello, Antti Immonen, Pekka and Teija Isorättyä, Muriel Kuoppala, Erwin Laiho, Esa Laurema, Brittany Nelson, Ernesto Neto, Guillaume Paris, Matti Petäjä, Veera Kaamos Pitkänen, Rodtsenko-seura, Manuel Saiz, Maija Tammi, Maria Tobola, Björn Weckström

The exhibition is curated by Jari-Pekka Vanhala from Kiasma.