Finnish-Karelian artist
@annapesonen  presents âBastion of Refugiaâ, a large-scale sculptural and sonic installation for the Finnish Pavilion at the
@maltabiennale.art
Staged within the former military fortification of Fort StâŻElmo, the work reclaims obsolete military technology - parabolic sound mirrors used for aerial threat detection, redirecting them as instruments of cultural transmission, broadcasting âkelkettelyâ, a joik-based vocal practice from Karelia (a border region between Finland and Russia) whose continuity was ruptured by war, border regimes, and displacement - a history interwoven with Annaâs own family story.
Sound and sculpture operate symbiotically within the installation as the sound work (created in collaboration with
@space_afrika &
@karoliinakantelinen ) is projected through the military speakers onto a monumental sculpture carved by Pesonen herself from Maltese limestone.
Photography courtesy of
@julianvassallo