An ensemble of public artworks will spread across the Kalasatama district and explores the intersection between humanity and technology employing an approach combining art and research

A Stream among Streams is an ensemble of public artworks planned for the Kalasatama district of Helsinki will spread across the urban space over the following decade. The curatorial concept explores the use of technological and virtual applications in urban planning, employing an approach combining art and research.

The artworks will examine sensor-based data, layered experientiality, and points of intersection between humanity and technology in our digitalized society.

Four artists have been invited to contribute: Laura Beloff, Flis Holland, Josefina Nelimarkka and Jenna Sutela. Each artist will approach the theme within the framework of their individual artistic practice. The pieces will integrate elements of ephemerality and permanent traces in the urban space, dimensions of presence and virtuality, machine learning, interactivity, other-than-human agencies and systems, and sensory and sensor-based perception.

The concept is curated by Aleksandra Kiskonen and Kristiina Ljokkoi, Public Art Curators at HAM Helsinki Art Museum.

The curatorial project ties in with the Smart Kalasatama Urban Living Lab, a pilot launched in 2013 by the City of Helsinki and coordinated by its innovation company Forum Virium. Using the Kalasatama district as a testing ground for novel forms of smart urban development, the Smart Kalasatama project (2013-2021) pioneered a variety of innovative and experimental solutions promoting liveability and climate targets. The curatorial project also involved collaboration with Forum Virium’s B. Green project. Forum Virium develops future urban solutions in cooperation with businesses, the scientific community and city residents. Forum Virium’s smart city projects focus on piloting and co-developing digital and carbon-neutral services.

Within this collaboration, the artists were given access to data collected from the Kalasatama district, such as statistics on residential energy consumption, pedestrian and cyclist traffic flows, pipeline-based waste collection flows, as well as 3D models used in urban planning and weather analytics.

The Kalasatama Environmental Art Project implements permanent and temporary art and events in collaboration with the City Executive Office, Urban Environment Division and Culture and Leisure Division of Helsinki and HAM Helsinki Art Museum. When completed, the commissioned pieces will be accessioned to the City of Helsinki’s art collection, which is managed by HAM Helsinki Art Museum.