Checkpoint Helsinki
A Performative Action by Khaled Jarrar (Palestine) curated by Ivor Stodolsky and Marita Muukkonen commissioned by Checkpoint Helsinki as part of Helsinki Festival
For his performative artwork at the festival TO THE SQUARE 2 in 2014 organized by Checkpoint Helsinki, Khaled Jarrar was looking for 50 volunteers – of all age and kind. As a former bodyguard of President Arafat of PLO/Palestinian Authority, Jarrar trained the volunteers to march in a specially coordinated movement through the streets of Helsinki. This performative action questioned the military regimentation of the body, mass obedience and programmed behaviour, while emphasizing the responsibility of the individual, and the case for resistance and civil or military disobedience. Especially in conflict situations such as the violence which has scarred his home in Palestine/Israel, taking responsibility can change lives.
Photos by Mirva Helenius
The Israeli Security Agency had lifted the travel-ban imposed on Khaled Jarrar. We were glad to hear that Khaled successfully crossed the border on Allenby Bridge on August 12th. So he was in Helsinki to realize the performance and instruct the volunteers personally!!! Earlier in summer 2014, Jarrar was turned back at the border on the way to his exhibition opening in the New Museum in New York. After a long wait on Allenby Bridge, he was informed that he would not obtain permission to leave before the 1st August.
Learn how to participate into the performance
in Helsinki or support the State of Palestine by ordering a cheet of Stamps by Khaled Jarrar
TO THE SQUARE 2 – From Tunis to Tahrir Square – featured artists deeply involved in forms of resistance and movements “to the square”. With projects by prominent figures such as Khaled Jarrar (Ramallah),
Checkpoint Helsinki is a new art organization in Finland that commissions and produces artworks by emerging international artists. It invites artists and curators to realize their ideas for projects in Helsinki, and thus functions as a platform for artistic work. The aim of Checkpoint Helsinki is to make art show in the cityscape, and to open up different forms of contemporary art for the public.
Checkpoint Helsinki approaches artworks with a view to their entire lifespan. The process of making the work is shared with the public as well as the finished artwork. In the future, the produced works will form a Checkpoint Helsinki collection.