Epäpaikat

Epäpaikat (“Non-Places”) is a multidisciplinary project which explores the network of social exclusion found in a mid-sized, northern Finnish coastal city—Oulu. The idea behind the project is to give a face to those who are marginalized in various ways, such as people experiencing homelessness, substance abuse issues, or mental health struggles.

Finland is becoming increasingly divided—politically, economically, and socially. This division is reflected in how different “non-places,” transitional spaces, and public areas are being occupied. The project examines who these spaces are really for: Are they safe for everyone, or are the most disadvantaged members of society being pushed out of urban environments?

Epäpaikat project has been in progress since August 2023. The working group received its first grant from the Oulu Valistustalorahasto in May 2024. The project is part of the Cultural cooperative ILME’s initiative From Here to Art – Travel Agency, for which the group is producing a podcast series. In addition to the podcast, the final outputs of the project will include various works examining the theme from different perspectives—namely, a novel, a photo exhibition, and a photo book.

Photographer Martu Väisänen

Author Jonna Pulkkinen

https://open.spotify.com/show/2TStiGTvpXDBuiu7xsHn6d?si=e528fb4d35fe4cb0