03/2014 Helsinki

Back to (The) Square 1

Should we be surprised by the snows of an Arab Winter, following the revolutionary Arab Spring of 2011 and the heated turmoil of 2012 and 2013?

These recurring waves of upheaval have changed the relationship between art, society and politics. Artists and intellectuals played a part in taking over squares, streets and walls, using these spaces for art aligned with the protests. Today, however, many artists and intellectuals feel that they are back to 'square one'.



Back to (The) Square 1 presents a selection of leading and emerging artists from Egypt and Palestine. The participating artists are: Khaled Jarrar, a rising figure in Palestinian contemporary art and film, Ganzeer and Ammar Abo Bakrleading figures of Cairo’s internationally recognised street-art scene, visual artists Hany Rashed, Jasmina Metwaly, Hamdy Reda and Ahmed Hefnawy, and the video documentary collective Mosireen.



Murals, installations, videos and posters brought the politics from the revolutionary streets to Helsinki. The exhibition sought to generate public reflection on how newly rebellious movements intertwine with the forms and genres of contemporary art.

Back to (The) Square 1 was curated by Marita Muukkonen and Ivor Stodolsky of Perpetuum Mobilε. It was a part of their Re-Aligned Project.


In collaboration with:

Gallery Forum Box

HIAP Helsinki International Artist Programme

Helsinki Festival