BIO:
Teo Ala-Ruona is an interdisciplinary artist based in Helsinki, working within the expanded field of performance. In his work, he experiments with the possibilities of somatic fiction to influence our perceptions of the human body, exploring the interplay between linguistic, semiotic, and biological existence, with a particular focus on the intersections of petroculture, eco-normative narratives of “naturalness,” and trans embodiment.
By using the performing body as a site for the various speculative stories to take place, he is experimenting with how alternative politics of the stage can alter both the performer and the audience’s ways of perceiving. Deeply rooted in theory and embodied scores, his practice considers the performing body as both a reflective surface and an active agent in negotiating pregiven categories.
He approaches the trans corporeality as an arena, where various normative processes of naturalization and standardisation become infeasible, and seeks to disrupt the heteronormative biases permeating research in biology and gender.
Ala-Ruona is dedicated to the transgressive potential of performance art to expand our understanding of humanity, challenging conventional notions of bodily limits and normalcy. His work delights in the peculiar, the perplexing, and the impure, weaving carefully crafted audience engagement with deeply embodied performance practice. It balances emotional and psychological tension with moments of humor and tenderness.
Ala-Ruona’s work has recently been shown in The Biennale Architettura 2025 (Venice), Performa Biennial (New York), Fundació Joan Miró Museum (Barcelona), The Vilnius Biennial of Performance Art (Vilnius), The Finnish National Gallery Kiasma (Helsinki), The Institute of Contemporary Arts in London (London), Sequences festival (Reykjavik), Centrale Fies (Dro) and Toaster/Husets Teater (Copenhagen). Ala-Ruona has graduated from Master’s Programme in Art Education at Aalto University School of Arts, Design and Architecture in 2016 and from Master’s Programme in Ecology and Contemporary Performance, at Helsinki Theatre Academy in 2018.
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READ TEO ALA-RUONA’S ARTIST PROFILE
WRITTEN BY NIMCO KULMIYE HUSSEIN HERE