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