The Grand Marais Library, in cooperation with the Arrowhead Library System, will present artist and musician Sara Pajunen at 1 p.m. Sept. 24 at the library.
In her Laatikko/Box project, Pajunen brings a sampling of the University of Minnesota’s Finnish- American archives to the public. Using violin and voice, she weaves Finnish folk song with both archival audio recordings and conversations with her own Finnish- American family members. During the presentation, participants can view pictures, letters, and other material from Finnish-Americans.
Laatikko/Box is a project about immigration. Our ancestors left a security in culture and language – a place where they knew themselves. People leave spaces all the time: relational spaces, home spaces, habitual spaces. Why do we leave? How long does change take? Is home a physical place? Laatikko/Box provides a space to contemplate these questions from both immigrant and personal perspectives, considering universal human experiences of unknowing, change, discomfort, difference.
The Cedar Cultural Center of Minneapolis commissioned the first presentation of Laatikko/Box last February as part of its 416 Club Commissions series. For the work, Pajunen immersed herself in the Finnish-American Collection of the Immigration History Research Center at Elmer Anderson Library. She explored boxes and audiotapes of spoken words, melodies, and written history with the intention to give them new life. Much like the stages of immigration, Laatikko/ Box is a constantly evolving piece.
For more information contact the library at (218) 387-1140.
Leave a Reply