The Angels, 20082:07 video
The Angels investigates the illusion of comfort and perfection in the highly controlled public space of the department store. Posing as a shop assistant Takala performs genuine acts of kindness that could also be perceived as suspicious, such as returning a dropped scarf to a customer’s bag. The customers are not made aware of these good deeds; there are no disruptions, no bad times. Here the artist acts as a regulator, working to both maintain and undermine the facade of the pleasant shopping experience.
Camera: Juha Laatikainen, Siri BaggermanAssistants: Mariska Chardet, Kieran DolanSupported by Alfred Kordelin Foundation and Finnish Cultural Foundation
