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, while engaging with themes of techno-trans-masculinity and eco-normative narratives of “naturalness”.
By often using his own body as a site for the various speculative stories to take place, he is experimenting with how fiction can alter both the performer and the audience’s ways of perceiving. 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 open up our understanding of humanity, challenging our comprehension of bodily limits and perceptions of normalcy and conventionality. Ala-Ruona’s work derives enjoyment from the peculiar and the perplexing, while crafting carefully considered and choreographed audience engagement, deeply practiced performers’ practice, as well as emotional and psychological tension.
Ala-Ruona’s work has recently been shown in Performa Biennial (New York), 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.
————
READ TEO ALA-RUONA’S ARTIST PROFILE
WRITTEN BY NIMCO KULMIYE HUSSEIN HERE