The Image of a Woman, 2023-2024


Photography History and AI Art Merge in Forssa (FIN) Museum’s Gallery Moletti Exhibition

The Image of a Woman exhibition oAers a cross-section of photography history, where artist Laura Rautjoki explores the representation of Finnish women in portraits and, inspired by historical imagery, creates alternative depictions of women using artificial intelligence. The project is Rautjoki’s artistic thesis for the Master of Fine Arts in Photography program at the Turku Academy of Arts. The exhibition is supported by Finnfoto ry.

'The Image of a Woman project began with a strong focus on folk history, and I approached the work with an almost scientific research method. As I delved into the artistic process, I realized that the project's deepest significance lay in the autoethnographic exploration of my identity as an artist. Through this project, I immersed myself not only in my own femininity but also in the historical Finnish imagery where, in my interpretation, women were not portrayed for the male gaze before the influence of the film industry, but rather as they are. With the help of artificial intelligence, I have managed to create in the images on display the same quiet, ordinary, and unpretentious atmosphere that has characterized my previous work as a photographic artist.'

The Image of a Woman project has been bold and experimental. Rautjoki has fearlessly and sincerely examined the significance of authorship in AI-created art and considered how a photographic artist can utilize AI as a tool for artistic creation. She intentionally introduces a touch of disturbing and surreal elements into her serene, ordinary images— as if something is slightly oA. The exhibition features ‘ordinary Finnish women at various stages of life and diAerent time periods.’ One of the works in the exhibition is inspired by Forssa's textile history, and one piece is set in Forssa.

Laura Rautjoki (b. 1989) was born in Jyväskylä, grew up in Hämeenlinna, and now lives and works in Helsinki.
Rautjoki’s work is represented internationally by Kate Vass Galerie.

Image of a Woman exhibition is on display at Forssa Museum’s Gallery Moletti from September 17 to October 13, 2024,
Tue-Fri 10 AM-4 PM, Sat 10 AM-2 PM, Sun 12 PM-4 PM.

WAIA Interview
Forssa Museum Website


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