Art through experimentation and chance: a public lecture by Yuko Mohri in Helsinki on 4 November
Artist Yuko Mohri will give a public lecture, “Assume That There Is Friction and Resistance”, in the popular Saastamoinen Keynote in Arts lecture series at Dance House Helsinki on 4 November.
Internationally renowned Mohri makes kinetic installations out of everyday objects, natural materials and physical phenomena. Chance and interaction play a key role in her works.
In Mohri’s artistic practice, experimentation is not just a means to an end but an end in itself. Her method in creating art is not following a ready-made plan, but instead, she lets materials, observations and experiments guide her process. In Mohri’s installations, things like gravity, sound, light and electricity play a major role, making everyday objects move and change over time.
As Mohri herself puts it: “I provide the conditions but it’s not up to me what happens after that.” Her practice has been influenced by the experimental approach of the Fluxus movement from the 1960s and 1970s, along with the Arte Povera movement, which favoured the use of everyday materials.
During her career, Mohri has employed a wide range of mediums, including installations, sculptures, photographs, videos and sound art. Her installations are often made of everyday materials and kinetic systems.
In October, Mohri will have a solo exhibition at The Curve gallery at the Barbican in London. Her installation will feature objects that Mohri has collected on site at the Barbican Centre, the architecturally significant building dedicated to culture and art that is preparing to undergo a major renewal.
In 2024, Mohri represented Japan at the 60th International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia with her solo exhibition “Compose”, and in February 2026, she was awarded the prestigious Calder Prize. Her recent exhibitions have further highlighted her distinct way of utilising sound, movement and responsive environments.
Saastamoinen Keynote lecture series invites major figures in the arts to Finland
Mohri’s visit is part of the internationalisation programme in fine arts launched by the Academy of Fine Arts and the Saastamoinen Foundation in 2014. In addition to lectures, the cooperation promotes international mentoring and residency activities for master’s students and alumni of the academy. The lecture will be the tenth Keynote lecture organised by Uniarts Helsinki’s Academy of Fine Arts and the Saastamoinen Foundation.
Saastamoinen Keynote in Arts: Yuko Mohri
Wednesday 4 November 2026 at 17–19
Dance House Helsinki, Kaapeliaukio 3, Helsinki
Free admission