The discussion on immigrants often focuses on statistics, nationalities and news streams about global catastrophes. But who are the actual people behind the generalisations? And what are Finns like?
Studio Aleppo [Helsinki] is a pop up photography studio and portrait exhibition that brings together new and old citizens of Finland. Locals paid €50 for two portraits. One of the portraits was for themselves, while the other was donated to an immigrant. Studio weekend was held at the National Museum of Finland 5.–6.8. Portraits taken by award-winning photographer Juuso Westerlund are displayed side by side at the National Museum 10.–17.8. and later at an online gallery at the project website.
Each portrait is a symbolic gesture, a declaration of intent for creating a new, equal future for all. The National Museum of Finland’s Studio Aleppo [Helsinki] is part of an international series of events, the goal of which is to strengthen the importance of empathy and equality in the discussion concerning immigration. More information about the project: www.studioaleppo.eu.
Måndag operated the social media marketing and communication for Studio Aleppo [Helsinki].
Studio Aleppo [Helsinki] -studio and exhibition:
Idea and production: Paradox
Author: Issa Touma
Executive Producer in Finland: MiklagardArts
Studio Aleppo [Helsinki] is supported by the Mondriaan Fund
Studio Aleppo [Helsinki] is part of the Finland 100 programme
Photographer: Juuso Westerlund
