Video PROGRAM

curated by Bunga Siagian and Tenthaus

This year, Swab’s Video Box unfolds under Polar and Tropic, the central theme of the fair’s 18th edition. Presented by Tenthaus and Bunga Siagian, the program welcomes two cooperative platforms: Av-arkki (Helsinki) and Mes56 (Yogyakarta). 

Ruang Mes56 will premiere the 18th edition of VIDEO BATTLE—an ongoing compilation distributed independently since 2004—featuring eight recent works that reflect how video can enter communal life and spark everyday dialogue.

Av-arkki presents a selection of Finnish media art curated by Avreno Heikka, exploring connections between nature, mythology, perception, and cultural memory. Since 1989, this pioneering non-profit has championed Finnish media art worldwide, building an archive of over 2,000 works for curators, researchers, and educators. 

Alongside these presentations, a common space will showcase 18 videos shared by the various Polar and Tropic participants, 

List of Films: Av-arkki, curated by Avreno Heikka x Tenthaus

  1. Danse de la terre, Niina Vatanen (2024)
  2. Eanan (Earth), Marja Viitahuhta with Ánnámáret, Ilkka Heinonen and Turkka Inkilä (2025)
  3. The Devils of Paasselkä, Axel Straschnoy (2021)
  4. The Time of A Slime Mold, Leena Pukki (2021)
  5. Tell Me, Azar Saiyar (2019)
  6. Rat and Border Dog, Vesa-Pekka Rannikko (2024)

List of Films: Video Battle 18, curated by Ruang Mes 56 x Bunga Siagian

  1. Robot Man, Ari Rusyadi (2021)
  2. Sisipus Lanskap, Maria Silalahi (2025)
  3. 18 dan 16, Micko Boanerges (2025)
  4. Railway to The City, Wildan Iltizam (2025)
  5. On The Bed, At Night, Alone_Prashasti Wilujeng Putri (2021)
  6. Reset, Gelar Agryano Soemantri (2025)
  7. Short Tour for Groy, Albert Rahman Putera
  8. How to Photograph A Lightning, Akiq AW (2016/2025)

List of Films: Polar and Tropic Common Video Space

  1. Prayer, Jinapanjara Gatha, Studio150
  2. Sen thì cần nhiều nước, Lotus requires a lot of water, Quế, Mot+++ (2024)
  3. Time Detective Show. Episode 1: Girls Against Death_Tâm Đỗ, Mot+++
  4. Embrace, Yasmeen Al x Gaza Biennale, All all all
  5. First Screening (1984),  bpNichol, NSFWWW
  6. mmbb, Liza Markus, GOR
  7. Timelapse, GOR
  8. Maling Laptop, GOR
  9. village video festival #3 2011, pawai tv,  Jatiwangi art Factory
  10. Tranceramical, Jatiwangi art Factory
  11. TERRA NA SAE, Jatiwangi art Factory
  12. Perhutana Family Forest, Jatiwangi art Factory
  13. JAF-Stereo, Jatiwangi art Factory
  14. PBRK, Mother Bank, Bunga Siagian
  15. Common Desire, Tringa Gashi and Andita Shabanaj, Fuxia2
  16. Tuskjune, Sklekke, Tenthaus
  17. Loving Perception / høyere lyd, Thyra Dragseth, Podium / K4
  18. Proses Penyulian Kapar Barus, Aliansyah Caniago, Suaveart
  19. A tree without roots,  Aliansyah Caniago, Suaveart

with the support of:

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