What´ s it Like to Be an Animal?

Kunsthalle Seinäjoki 2020

Artwork : Cat pleasure

What's it Like to Be an Animal? introduces works from 8 Finnish contemporary artists Minna Herrala, Mari Keski-Korsu, Teemu Lehmusruusu, Toni Lehtola, Lotta Mattila, Mia Mäkelä, Kati Roover and Elina Ruohonen.

The exhibition is based on evolution biologist and scientist Helena Telkänranta's book (2015). Helena Telkänranta specialises in animal behaviour, emotions and cognition. She has carried out research at the University of Bristol and University of Helsinki. She is currently working
on measuring animal welfare and detecting states of pain in veterinary medicine and is developing innovative ways of communicating zoology to the audiences and schoolchildren visually and experientially.

The artists' art work reflect and are thematically based on the book. The book is an introduction to the animal behaviour and the art works widens and broadens its' themes with artistic and visual thinking. Each artist has chosen a chapter in the book that they have used as the base for the art work. Helena Telkänranta has worked as a discussion partner for the artists. The exhibition doesn't illustrate the book, but deepens it thematically. In scientific research anything is not possible but in art boundaries can be crossed.

The exhibition helps us gain better understanding of human affection and behavior. It gives us better abilities to understand the other feelings and perceptions populate this planet. The exhibition highlights the ability and willingness to understand other beings' perspective and experience. Using this ability is not making us dehumanized – but the opposite.