Meta Isæus-Berlin – The Philosopher

Meta Isæus-Berlin (b. 1963) is one of Sweden’s most central contemporary artists. On several occasions, she has represented Sweden on the international art scene, including the Venice and Istanbul biennales. Her work will be exhibited in Finland for the first time, in the extensive solo exhibition The Philosopher at Kuntsi Museum of Modern Art 2.11.2024–30.3.2025. 

The exhibition The Philosopher will present both older works as well as a completely new installation produced specifically for Kuntsi. Isæus-Berlin’s work oftentimes refers to dreams and the subconscious, working with different scenarios and psychodramas. Her surreal and dream-like works can overwhelm, cause concern and confuse, while providing comfort and calmness at the same time. An example of this is the installation Breakfast (2020), where the visitor is confronted with a set breakfast table, complete with a classic red and white checkered table cloth and peg chairs. However, the table has been sawn in pieces, the furniture has been tilted and everything hangs from the walls and ceiling by ropes. The work expresses both anger and humor, rooted in childhood memories as well as the frustrations of the Covid-19 pandemic. The breakfast table – which usually occupies a central place in the home – becomes here a fixed point for inner storms. 

Many are familiar with Isæus-Berlin through her sculptural installations of varying scale and unusual choice of materials. However, she also works a wide array of media, with painting being a central part. In the exhibition The Philosopher, visitors are given the opportunity to experience the artist’s paintings from both early and later periods.  

Isæus-Berlin graduated from the Royal Institute of Art in Stockholm in 1993 and was awarded the same year with Bonnier’s large art scholarship. In addition to participating in the Venice and Istanbul biennales, Isæus-Berlin’s work has also been shown internationally in the USA and Australia, among others. Isæus-Berlin’s work is included in some of the Nordics’ top collections, including those of the Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma, Moderna Museet, the Gothenburg Art Museum and the Malmö Art Museum. Previously, Isæus-Berlin has had solo exhibitions at Prins Eugens Waldemarsudde in 2019, as well as a mid-career solo at Liljevalch’s Art Gallery in 2019.  

In addition to the artist’s own works and the installation created specially for the exhibition, The Philosopher will also include works from both museums and private collections. The exhibition will only be shown in Vaasa. The exhibition has been produced by Vaasa City Museums in collaboration with the artist. 

Meta Isæus-Berlin, Breakfast, 2020. Photo: Sofia Johansson.

 

Meta Isæus-Berlin, The Philosopher, 2022. Photo: Björn Petrén.