Finland (Pavilion Alvar Aalto)

IC-98 is a duo composed by artists Visa Suonpää (b. 1968) and Patrik Söderlund (b. 1974). IC-98 projects often take the form of installations or publications, combining research, drawing and animation. Their intensely abstracted, identifiable visual language weaves myriad bridges between the material and mythical, individual and collective, nature and culture. The investigations running through the works concern the body politic, social formations and architectural constructions, heresies and pure systems of thought, and the presence of history in everyday life.

“IC-98 has an extensive catalogue of ambitious projects to date and a committed critical practice engaged with international debates and urgencies. My curatorial aim is to offer the artists an opportunity to produce a new, site-specific work for the Biennale. The philosophical and political themes at the core of the works of IC-98 resonate profoundly against the rich context of Venice.” Taru Elfving, curator of the exhibition.

IC-98 will present their work Hours, Years, Aeons in the Finnish Pavilion, designed by Alvar Aalto and completed in 1956. The exhibition is commissioned and produced by Frame Visual Art Finland.

“It is exciting to work with IC-98, who are making their international breakthrough, and to take them to perhaps the most important contemporary art forum. Frame Visual Art Finland is delighted to have the responsibility over the Finnish representation at the Venice Biennale.” Raija Koli, Commissioner, Director of Frame.