Interview with Riitta Ikonen
2007-2008 'Me Again' series. Photographs by Anni Koponen and Finnish National Gallery / Central Art Archives / Pirje Mykkänen
When and why did you start working with participatory art? Was it out of your own need, on your own initiative or through an invitation, assignment or other reason?
I started working in participatory art by chance after my MA in at the Royal College in London, it was by invitation to run workshops at the Tate Britain. I really enjoyed it and continued running workshops in different institutions across the city.
What do you believe are the artistic qualities of working with others?
It's a human need. It's important to stay permeable and challenge your preconceived ideas and views, go further than anticipated.
When you think of working with others, what are you thinking of?
Opportunity to learn something new, being open to chance, freedom.
How do you experience the conditions for your work with participatory art?
Right now, winter swimming in the sea with neighbours and strangers from all over the world - Excellent conditions!
Do you enjoy participating in other people's art projects as an active audience? How does it make you feel?
I do. I feel self-aware/nervous if the participant role is very 'on the spot', great chance to combat shyness.
How do you assess whether a participatory project is successful or not? How does it feel when it is successful, what is the gain for you?
Success...it could be participants continuing the project independently after the formal structure is over, or seeing the exhilaration after pushing themselves and seeing that they can do it! People expressing themselves freely and uncensored is foundational.
Do you have a target group that you usually turn to or that you are more interested in working with? If you are addressing an inexperienced art audience, what is your drive to specifically work with them?
I have worked for ten years specifically with older people from around the world, and so far my drive has been mainly curiosity, as one of our collaborators put it: "If you stop being curious, you might as well be dead."
What would you like to get out of a network and a platform for participatory art?
Swim company and post-COVID beers together please!
Interview conducted in December, 2020.
http://www.riittaikonen.com
Ikonen is currently running the project Sea Changes / Rockaway Sundays for FLOCK. Read more about the project HERE