Introduction

The 10th edition of Pixelache Helsinki takes place on Suomenlinna island, a world heritage site that is home for about 850 inhabitants, several art organisations, an open prison, a military base and one abandoned submarine. Compared to the safety and comfort that Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art provided for the festival during the past years, this island adventure significantly increases the DIY factor of Pixelache. It's just us and the island, with a lot of snow and a fresh breeze from the Baltic Sea... Spending a long weekend together, in order to share knowledge and explore the bits 'n' pieces of art and technology we have brought with us.

The festival features 3 programme sections which have been created by our invited guest curators: map me if you will by Susanne Jaschko explores artistic practice which involves open data, collaborative mapping and data visualisations; Computational Photography by Markku Nousiainen takes a hacker approach to digital photography; and Groworld Bazaar by the FoAM team (Lina Kusaite, Dave Griffiths, Theun Karelse, Bartaku) explores the connections between plants, people and technology.

This year's festival has a strong focus on learning new skills and sharing knowledge. The numerous pre-festival workshops deal with topics ranging from open source video editing to diy microscopy and experimental cooking. The second edition of Camp Pixelache offers all Pixelache participants the possibility to give a presentation about their work, or to initiate a discussion on a certain topic. Pixelache 2011 is also the kick-off event for a new season of Pixelversity, our year-round educational programme.

The annual Signals from the South series continues this year with an exhibition of recent works by Jean Katambayi Mukendi, a Congolese self-taught artist and scientist.

An important meta-theme for Pixelache 2011 is energy: featured in artworks (Andy Best, Maria Duncker & Koelse, Jean Katambayi Mukendi), workshops (Bartaku's edible solar cells) and discussions (Art and Renewable Energy network meeting).

The music programme for Pixelache Clubs has been curated by Äänen Lumo and defunensemble & Koelse will together create a special audiovisual installation in Paarlastihuone.

We hope that you will enjoy the festival!

Pixelache Helsinki 2011 festival pass

Pixelache Helsinki 2011 festival pass gives an exclusive access to Pixelache Clubs, a possibility to give a presentation at Camp Pixelache and many other benefits.

 

See you in Suomenlinna, remember to bring your warm clothes!