The Black Hole shows man-made mines and quarries, comparing them with geological, natural processes. The exhibition photos present different kinds of results and consequences of land transformation in Finland, Sweden, Spain, and Iceland. The photo series includes test quarries, excavated mountains and tunnels, closed mines, relocated towns, historical remains and operational construction sites, and considers their environmental impact.
The second series in the exhibition, AI Landscape (AI – aluminum), reflects on the relationship between preserving the environment and continuing our way of life. Aluminium production is the most significant manufacturing industry of Iceland, not because the country has the raw materials for it – they are brought from Australia – but because Iceland has rivers that can be dammed to produce the energy needed to melt aluminium. How much are we willing to sacrifice to keep things going – as our standard of living continues to rise?
Every year, we mold and move about 80 billion tons of material on our planet, most of which is a consequence of the separation of minerals and metals. Geologists estimate that 95 percent of the Earth’s surface has been modified by humans in one way or another. The Talvivaara mine in Sotkamo is known to all Finns as the biggest environmental disaster of the last decade. In the exhibition photos, Talvivaara is paralleled to the national mining saga of Sweden, the Kiruna iron ore mine. The town centre of Kiruna is to be moved, as the mine has come to undermine the current centre, threatening the sole existence of the town. As a result of the failed mining activities of Talvivaara, the nature and, eventually, the existence of humankind are in danger. The mining in Kiruna has been more fortunate but it is directly threatening human settlements. In order to continue mining, the town is to be moved to prevent it from being absorbed by the black hole.
How is human activity shaping the nature and, eventually, the humankind itself?
Lasse Lecklin is a photographer from Helsinki. Identity of a place, constructed environment and the connection of human being to the nature are in the core of his interest. His mediums are photography and video, and he works often on the field between documentary and conceptual art. www.lasselecklin.com
Lasse Lecklin
The Black Hole
27.11.2021–16.1.2022 (Closed from 23.12.–2.1.2021)
Hippolyte Korjaamo
Open according to the opening hours of Korjaamo:
Tue–Fri 11–20
Sat 12–20