Ima Iduozee named as chair of young artists’ Generation exhibition jury

Choreographer and director Ima Iduozee has been invited to chair the Generation 2023 jury. The next exhibition of works by young artists will be held at Amos Rex in 2023.

Besides Iduozee, the jury includes museum director Kai Kartio, a curatorial team from Amos Rex – Anastasia Isakova, Laura Porola and Krista Mamia – and Generation 2020 artists Alex Luonto and Anna-Karoliina Vainio.

The exhibition will feature works from various fields of art, with Iduozee bringing performing arts expertise to the jury.

“I look forward to bold, multi-genre initiatives that aren’t afraid to experiment with new forms of expression. I hope to see applications from various areas and demographic groups of our society, particularly artists of immigrant background. I see cross-pollination between different fields of art and audiences as extremely important in these polarising times,” says Iduozee.

The application period opens on 1 Oct 2021, leading to the selection of about 40 artists.

All Generation 2023 artists will have an opportunity to apply for project grants from Konstsamfundet for the Generation 2023 exhibition. Such grants were first offered to Generation 2020 artists.

Battle 101: an introduction to hip hop culture

Battle 101: a short course in street dance is an eventful work by dance artist Johan Högsten, who was selected for the Generation 2020 exhibition. It will be presented as a live stream from Bio Rex on 24 May.

The work, which was postponed last year due to the pandemic, has developed and changed form in the intervening months. Last year’s Generation 2020 presented works by more than 80 artists aged 15-23, selected from more than 1600 applications.

Battle 101 gives the audience the opportunity to appreciate the skills and knowledge of Finland’s top street dancers. At the core of the work is a battle, where the country’s leading hip hop dancers compete and team up.

“Performing virtually changed the event. It became more of a showcase and a course in street dance and its diversity,” says Högsten.

Breakdance is one of the four elements of hip hop, along with DJing, MCing (rapping) and graffiti.

“Street dance isn’t just ‘random party moves’. It has techniques, concepts, rules and freedoms, just like many other types of dance. Hip hop isn’t just a feeling or a vibe, it’s an entire culture,” says Högsten.

The event will introduce the audience to the roots of hip hop culture, its political dimensions and active anti-racism.

Besides receiving a 100-euro prize, the winner will choose an organisation working with youth in the areas of anti-racism or mental health, which will receive a 1000-euro donation from Amos Rex.

Current events

• Battle 101: a short course in street dance, 24 May, 3–4.30pm
• Generation 2023 application clinics open in August 2021
• Applications for the exhibition 1 Oct – 15 Nov 2021

Press photos: media.amosrex.fi