SWEAT

Abstract

This master’s thesis titled "SWEAT" explores the connection between emotional and personal experience in the creation of art through the lens of Finnish sauna culture. Consisting of two main chapters, it constructs my practical artistic work with philosophical reflection, examining the sauna as a space of contemplation, community, and transformation. By intertwining artistic expression with philosophical thought, this thesis aims to illuminate the influence, the deeper meanings and implications of the sauna on my artistic work. I am offering insights into its role in my contemporary art life and its potential as a catalyst for personal and collective well-being. The "Sompasauna" and the theme of the sauna in general, has guided me through my time at the MFA studies. It has served as a valuable real-life experience for the works I have made for the Kuvan Kevät exhibition, highlighting themes of physicality, vulnerability, and emotional transformation. By embracing the rituals and communal spirit of this Sompasauna, I invite readers to follow the journey with me and discover the rich tapestry of emotions and explorations that emerge from this and form my artistic practice. This thesis consists of two parts. In the first part, I explore and elaborate on the key influences that have shaped my understanding and approach evolving my artistic practise. I include a specific philosophical theory of vulnerability that resonate with my artistic work, and how their ideas inform my practical interventions. The second, and no less important, part of the thesis is a chapter called "The Sauna-ABC, a sweaty and poetic journey". Each letter of the alphabet serves as a gateway to a unique short story or experiment with visual poetry, where a carefully and meticulously chosen word encapsulates a specific experience, thing or daily routines. These narratives, stories or poems are intertwined with my daily visits to "Sompasauna", representing a cherished sanctuary that embodies the essence of community within the Finnish sauna experience. Through vivid storytelling, I aim to illustrate and navigate how the sauna transcends mere physical relaxation and becomes a transformative experience as a space for emotional reflection, connection, and cultural appreciation. The aspect of psychological relaxation is accompanied by a physical letting go. Both are based on the view of the sauna as an emancipatory space, especially for my female body, which helps to overcome societal norms regarding how we should look and behave. The sauna becomes a utopian space without any judgment — when everyone is equally vulnerable. This psychological climate of the sauna has inspired my multimedia series of works, through which I hope to raise the viewer’s awareness of issues regarding the cultural and social transformation of the female body.