―What led you to establish the platform The Temporary Bookshelf in Helsinki?
The Temporary Bookshelf started when my favourite bookshop in Helsinki closed down. It was run by the independent publisher Khaos Publishing (Iina Esko), and hosted in Kosminen art space, a non-profit gallery run by a collective of 4 female artists. From this dramatic loss, The Temporary Bookshelf was suggested as an alternative.
―We see that there are many self-published books in your selection. Would you say that making a book, for a Finnish artist, is something that is inherently part of their creative practice? Do you have a guess as to why it seems to be so common?
I would say that the drive is currently towards it, and thus, its effervescence in the scene. I would explain the waves of interest thanks to the Art Universities’ teachers, bringing interest for it. Another reason is from the current lack of publishers. In that sense, publishing comes in the hand of the artist. Despite sounding as a default alternative, it brings creativity and experimental approach in the scene.
―Like K0ira1, a cook, some of the authors of your Special Zine collection have a practice that is not generally categorized as “art”, despite them being very closely linked to creativity. How did you choose your collaborators in this project?
I chose to invite seventeen individuals whose works are impactful in the current Finnish cultural scene, from established to blooming creatives, but whose practice is not based on publishing. All, however, have a sensibility in printed matters, or a speculative interest in it. My wish was to see their works in an another form and spark interest for more publishing actions in Finland.
―You mentioned the difficulty of finding classic, influential books that influenced the Finnish art scene. Can you explain why?
This section for TABF was the most challenging! In my opinion, the reason is the art book scene is newly established in Finland. From my experience during my studies, references and their sources were international. My response to your request was to research over one of the most valuable public services in the Finnish society: the libaries.
―You listed many contemporary artist books and zines for our Nordic Art Book Store. Are there any characteristics you noticed among the art books in Finland through the process of this selection? Have you found any other similarities/differences with the other four Nordic countries?
Through the selection process, themes such as nature, organic living,experimental graphic design, modernist Finnish architecture, Finnish folklores and tales, popular culture and memes, but also history of minorities and representation issues,have been highlighted. Those are current topics that felt important to present from Finland. As for the other Nordic Countries, I am mostly looking forward to read, touch and see it! I am sure that intertwined subjects will unfold and connect us.
―A quick message for our Japanese audience please!
As a French-Japanese, I am familiar with Japan, spending a few summers here as a child. I am so happy to come to Tokyo again, and this time for being part of such an exciting event! It is a pleasure and honour to collaborate with TABF. Please come say hi at the Nordic Bookstore! Let’s talk about publishing as art and art as publishing.