Johannes Purovaara

At the Saari Residence, I will explore the so-called “other jobs” through which most of performing artists earn their primary livelihood. After working alongside my stage work as, for example, a gravedigger, a cleaner, a waiter and a janitor, I’ve started considering those jobs also a part of my work as a performer. I’ve been inspired, among other things, by Gregory Sholette’s book which explores the “dark matter” of the art world.

During my residency months, I look forward to losing track of time, wandering aimlessly, and becoming part of the daily rhythm and activities of a place that is new to me. I will spend my time walking, reading, writing and talking with other residents and visitors. I will also clean and maintain my living and work spaces, as well as the manor and its surroundings, to the extent that it is possible for me. I may also be available to other residents at certain times of the day. In addition to my work history, this is related to the fact that performers have traditionally been referred to as servants of the audience. I will turn my daily chores into short videos.

I am a performing artist living in Malmö, Sweden. In my work, I often find myself entangled in everyday dynamics by taking on familiar social or professional roles in my performances in public and semi-public spaces. For example, as a guest artist at the 2025 Malmö Community Biennale, I played the role of a vampire-like jack-of-all-trades throughout the entire three-day festival. In the Mascoting project, I work as a face-to-face fundraiser for various performing arts institutions. In the summer of 2026, the work was selected for the laboratory of the European IN SITU network, which supports art in public spaces. I also create performances for more traditional stages with various theatre groups.

I’ve been inspired by, among others, the practices of Mierle Laderman Ukeles, Frances Whitehead and Eleonora Fabião, and I see my work as part of the wave of performer-driven approaches in the field of the performing arts. My residency project is part of a broader project, supported by the Kone Foundation, titled “Esiintymiä”, in which I explore the Finnish word “esiintyä” (to perform) through its ecological, network-like meaning.