Kallio Kunsthalle: Alissa Nirgi, A New Land Outside My Window

Exhibition opening 12.11.2015 klo 18:00-20:00
12.11.-5.12.2015, Kallio Kunsthalle, Toinen linja 31, Helsinki
“My grandmother lived in a war zone in Lugansk Oblast in eastern Ukraine and she wasn’t safe there anymore. Since she is sick and needs care, my parents decided to bring her to Estonia to live with them. I have been documenting my grandmother’s life for about a year. While at first I was interested in the changes she would make in her new room, over time my focus changed. I tried to connect with her through the photos I was taking because I speak neither Ukrainian nor Russian. As I observed my grandmother, I realized she was not happy in her new home and that being with her family did not ease her longing for her real home where she had lived almost her whole life. I saw how her new surroundings seemed strange and uncomfortable to her and how she felt like she didn’t belong here. She spends her days watching TV, hoping to hear news that will allow her to finally go back home.”
Alissa Nirgi (b. 1993) is an Estonian visual artist living and working in Tallinn.
Curating: Laura Toots
Graphic design: Maria Muuk
Technical team: Reimo Võsa-Tangsoo, Kaspar Kiinvald
We would like to thank: Terje Nirgi, Sergei Randvere, Liina Siib, Marge Monko, Mari Armei, Anu Tehver, Fidelia Regina Randmäe

Supporters: EAA Photography Department, Lehe brewery, Megaluumen, Warm North, Espak, ArtPrint, Jaanihanso cider, Itek electronics
Daily exhibition visit inquiries from Elokolo (< 15 m left) Doors open daily 9-15 Information: www.kalliokunsthalle.fi Inquiries: info@kalliokunsthalle.fi Hotline 24h: 050 5975806 Address: Kallio Kunsthalle Taidehalli Toinen linja 31 00530 Helsinki Finland