Congestion and Calm – Commuting seen through the lens of volunteer photographers
The Congestion and Calm exhibition will be opened on 22 November 2024 at KAMU Espoo City Museum to introduce 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, KAMU Espoo City Museum has KuvaKamut (established in 2019)), Helsinki City Museum has Kuvaussakki (2018) and Vantaa City Museum has Kuvausrinki (2021). 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(external link, opens in a new window). 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 photographers were also encouraged to take photos across municipal boundaries.
Eero Happonen will be displaying a series of photos on bicycle commuting. He says: “I wanted to highlight the increased popularity of bicycle commuting, which has been clearly evident on rain-free and calm spring, summer and autumn days. That said, I chose to focus on bicycle commuting in winter, which is entirely possible with a proper bicycle and appropriate clothing.”
The activities of the volunteer photographers benefit both parties: for the museums, the inclusive collection work brings with it new perspectives and the opportunity to delve into topics extensively. For the photographers, the activities increase their local knowledge and enable them to take photographs as a hobby and learn with others.
Congestion and Calm – Commuting seen through the lens of volunteer photographers
KAMU Espoo City Museum, 22 November 2024–28 February 2025
WeeGee Exhibition Centre admission fee €20/10
Planning and implementation of the exhibition: KAMU Espoo City Museum, Helsinki City Museum and Vantaa City Museum
KAMU at WeeGee