Notes for Our Legacy
Billboards are strategically set up in high traffic areas, designed to catch our attention. They are positioned atop buildings, along highways, and in market squares. Even when devoid of advertisements, they continue to draw one's gaze. The sculpture-like metal frames and blank canvases remind of things that have come and gone. Even in the absence of advertising content, a billboard remains a medium of communication. But when empty of advertisement, what message does it convey? Janne Riikonen's book Notes For Our Legacy serves as a statement against the unsustainable culture of consumption and the values typically conveyed on billboards.
For as long as I can recall, I've been bothered by advertisements—both their appearance and the values they most often promote. I wish I didn't have to see them. The primary message of advertisements is very clear. Whether it's a product, a service, an education, or a political agenda; they aim to sell something. Yet beneath this primary message lies a more subtle, subliminal undertone of inadequacy – You can do, look and behave better.
The work is a manifestation agains these messages, both primary and secondary. The values they promote and with whose terms all of this is done. I believe that the constant exposure to advertisements has contributed to people becoming more materialistic and focused on status. I argue that in a society not as saturated with advertisements, we would be more compassionate and considerate towards one another.
Thread bound book with no covers
96 pages
46 black and white photographs
Risograph printing
20 x 28,5 cm
First edition of 300 copies
ISBN 978-91-987606-9-9
Designed by Janne Riikonen
Published in October 2023 by Kult Books
30€ + shipping
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Notes for Our Legacy - SPECIAL EDITION
The Special Edition of Notes for Our Legacy is comprised of a signed copy of the book and a silk screened print, together wrapped in a paper made of advertisements removed from public places. The idea was to reverse the process, turning advertisements back to blank paper which they once were. The blank papers, while visibly saying nothing, represent the values and themes of the work. The entire process is made by hand, by Janne Riikonen.
Editions
The original silk screened prints are handmade by Janne Riikonen in Stockholm on diverse found materials. Three works in edition of five unique copies each. The selected works are:
_JR_0552
18x21 cm
Special Edition # 1-5
DSCF8071
22x20 cm
Special Edition # 6-10
_JR_3803
22x18 cm
Special Edition # 11-15
15 unique copies
Designed by Janne Riikonen
October 2023
180€