Frontiers

Camilla Edström Ödemark’s video essay Alien Nation (2016), premiering at Studio17, addresses the dynamic relationship between popular culture and representation of identity. Focusing on science fiction and the subculture of UFO-enthusiasts, it draws parallels between utopian colonisation of space, the dystopian invasion of the Earth, and the historical colonisation of Africa. Addressing the role of the monstrous alien as a tool to form the traditional Western worldview, Alien Nation highlights colonial structures that continue to exert influence on the Western mentality and culture. The work of Edström Ödemark suggests that what is played out in the darkest corners of space, might in fact take place in our own backyard. In addition to “Alien Nation” two other works, the video diptych Closed Encounters (2016) and mural Animus Revertendi (2016), will premiere at Studio17.

Camilla Edström Ödemark (b.1985 Åland) is a Malmö-based visual and media artist working with the issue of (national) identity. Mixing contemporary debate, politics, and popular culture with historic events, propaganda, and myths Edström Ödemark investigates what it means to be Finnish, European, Western etc. Edström Ödemark’s works have recently been showed at Spriten Kunsthall (NO), Galleri CC (SE), and Third Space Gallery (FIN).

The exhibition is supported by Svenska Kulturfonden, Örö Residency Programme, and Rogaland Kunstsenter.