When light illuminates something, it simultaneously emphasizes the surrounding darkness. This blind spot of vision points to the limits of knowledge while opening up space for imagination. Does light ultimately reveal something meaningful, or is its purpose merely to outline the contours of darkness? In the rapid alternation between light and dark, one cannot be certain what is truly seen in the image and what is a product of one’s own imagination.
In the work State of Alarm (2025, 6:55 min), the sounds of nature resemble emergency vehicle sirens as they blend with mechanical and human-made urban noises. Repetitions and rhythms evoke a life-sustaining pulse, creating a sense of safety and continuity. The starting point of the work has been a psychological, ambiguous state of constant alertness—whether on the level of everyday personal life, the global political situation, or the survival of humanity amid climate change.
Pasi Autio (b. 1974) is a Helsinki-based media artist who works with moving image, sound, performance, and photography. His works have addressed the unequal interaction between humans and the ecosystem, the connection between mind and body, loneliness, transience, and death. Despite their serious themes, his works often include elements of humor. Autio holds a Master of Arts degree from the photography program at Aalto University, and his works have been presented in numerous solo and group exhibitions since 2000.
The production of the work has been supported by AVEK and Konstsamfundet. The exhibition is supported by the Finnish Heritage Agency.
