at land
In the photo: Marianna Henriksson. Photo: Jaakko Pietiläinen.
at land is a performance installation featuring the world premiere of German composer Sarah Nemtsov’s harpsichord piece. The composition was written for the silent film At Land (1944) by Maya Deren, a pioneer of experimental cinema, and will be performed by harpsichordist Marianna Henriksson. The spatial design of the installation is created by visual artist Jaakko Pietiläinen, and the overall project is curated by Riikka Thitz.
Deren’s short film metaphorically portrays a woman’s psychological movements through ocean waves, shifts in time and space, and labyrinthine, absurd environments. Deren’s work was multidisciplinary, and her shot composition was influenced by modern dance of the time. The performance installation offers an opportunity to experience Nemtsov’s composition in a way that intertwines music and visual material as equals. at land merges contemporary music, interdisciplinary art, and new possibilities for the harpsichord’s sound.
The piece was presented at HIAP Gallery Augusta in Suomenlinna, where the journey to the venue and the island’s maritime setting set the audience in tune with the work’s themes.
Credits
Music: Sarah Nemtsov: at land (2022) for (amplified) harpsichord with playback, composed for the silent film “At Land” by Maya Deren (1944) / at land (2022) für (verstärktes) Cembalo mit Zuspiel zu dem Stummfilm “At Land” von Maya Deren (1944)
Short film: At Land, dir. Maya Deren (1944), duration 15 min
Harpsichord: Marianna Henriksson
Spatial design: Jaakko Pietiläinen
Sound tech: Viljami Lehtonen
Curator: Riikka Thitz
Production: i dolci ry
In collaboration with HIAP Helsinki International Artist Programme
Performances
Henriksson will perform Nemtsov’s approximately 15-minute composition every hour. Audience members may enter the performance space up to 30 minutes before each showing.
Gallery opening hours
Sat 26 April 2025 at 13:30-16:30
Sun 27 April 2025 at 13:30-15:30
Performances
Sat 26 April 2025 at 14:00, 15:00 and 16:00
Sun 27 April 2025 at 14:00 and 15:00
at land on i dolci website & HIAP website