MEEMIVASEMMISTO* is a process exhibition that brings the societal discussions and political action rampant on social media into IRL. The exhibition evolves through conversations, experiences, and workshops into memetic artifacts and actions, which we hope will extend spatially beyond the gallery walls and temporally into the future.
The term "meemivasemmisto" ("meme left") refers to a form of leftist societal thinking and activism which spreads political communications and ideology through memes. It is a mode of social critique that addresses capitalism, right-wing politics, and corporate power, defends the working class, and advocates for feminism, LGBTQIA+ rights, environmental justice, mental health, and neurodiversity, among other things.
Internet memes are the most influential and significant form of political art of the 21st century. Their power lies in repetition and variation, shifting creation from individual expression toward collective agency. MEEMIVASEMMISTO is an exhibition where this generational experience is given physical and temporal form—a moment in time and space when we become radicalized together.
This process exhibition is facilitated by artists Alma Tuuva (@pikakahvimemegirl), Anna Julia (@petteriorpofanpage), and Jenna Jauhiainen (@goatsemestari). The exhibition also features an interactive installation by the HYPERREAALIYAH collective—celebrating its 10th anniversary this year—and a video work by Alisa Nirman and team. Two workshops aimed at strengthening political voice and agency will be held during the exhibition, led by political assistant Johanna Virtanen and Miltton leadership coach Erik Bäckman.
*MEEMIVASEMMISTO is written in all caps because that’s how operations are communicated. This exhibition is an operation.
Vernissage: July 4, 6–9 PM
Exhibition open: July 5–30, Wed–Sun 12–6 PM