Pia Lindman’s performance is about lead, which is known to be the preferred metal for bullets because of its density and heat resistance. When shooting, the shooter inhales lead particles into the lungs and can develop lead poisoning. A visible symptom of lead poisoning is aggression – war thus creates war again.

According to Finnish healing traditions, lead’s place is in the depths of the earth, where it cannot poison living organisms or destroy nerve cells. Humans, however, have brought lead to the surface to satisfy industrial and economic – not least warlike – motives. Finnish artist Pia Lindman asks how we can “heal” this painful relationship. Together with members of Viennese amateur choirs, she will sing a spell for lead.

The performance will take place in the context of the exhibition Chewing the Tundra (Kunsthalle Exnergasse, Nov. 3 – Dec. 17, 2022). Exhibition contributions by: Leena Valkeapää and Oula Valkeapää, Pauliina Jokela, Lauri Linna, Anu Osva, Ásmundur Ásmundsson, Hannes Lárusson, Tinna Grétarsdóttir, Anra Naw, Angela Rawlings, Connie Kristoffersen, Pia Lindman, Rebekah Oomen, John Andrew Wilhite-Hannisdal, Geir Tore Holm, and Søssa Jørgensen. Curated by: Tinna Grétarsdóttir and Pia Lindman.

https://www.wuk.at/programm/chewing-the-tundra/