Congestion and Calm – Commuting seen through the lens of volunteer photographers
At KAMU Espoo City Museum, the Congestion and Calm photo exhibition opens on November 22nd, introducing audiences to commuter traffic through the eyes of the volunteer photographers of the Espoo, Helsinki and Vantaa city museums.
Congestion and Calm is the first exhibition that the museums have carried out in cooperation with their volunteer photographers. In terms of photography clubs, Espoo City Museum has KuvaKamut, Helsinki City Museum has Kuvaussakki and Vantaa City Museum has Kuvausrinki. The volunteer photographers record modern life and phenomena for the museum collections according to agreed themes, adding new perspectives to the museum activities.
The collection of commute-themed photos began in the autumn of 2023 and ended in summer 2024. Some of these photos are on display in the Congestion and Calm exhibition on the KAMU Espoo City Museum premises at WeeGee Exhibition Centre in Espoo. A more extensive collection of photos can be found in the Finna online service. The photos cover various modes of transport. The exhibition features photos from 20 photographers who were permitted to choose their own perspective; observe the situation as an outsider, agree to photograph the commute of a specific person, or depict their own commute.
The work of volunteer photographers benefits both parties: for museums, such participatory collection work provides, among other things, new perspectives and an opportunity to delve deeply into various topics. For the photographers, the activity strengthens their local knowledge and allows them to pursue their photography hobby while learning together with others.
Congestion and Calm – Commuting seen through the lens of volunteer photographers
22 November 2024–28 February 2025
KAMU Espoo City Museum
WeeGee Exhibition Centre admission fee €20/10
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Photo: Katja Pyykkö / Helsinki City Museum’s Kuvaussakki
