Down Under

Lerviks Marcus

The work explores the world beneath the water's surface. The videos capture the silence of nature in stark contrast to the dominating, chaotic world of humanity. The initial inspiration for the project came from uncharted underwater landscapes that have rarely been recorded or observed. However, the contrast between these two extremes became increasingly significant as the work progressed. The material used in the piece was sourced from popular social media channels, illustrating how social media and podcasts often push us toward a state of emptiness.


In the video sequences, the camera ascends from a mud-covered bottom. As the frame reaches the waterline and moves toward the sky, these sounds blend with choral music. The resulting contrast—between the serene stillness of untouched nature and the loud cries of “press the subscribe button”—invites viewers to reflect on humanity's trajectory and question whether this is truly the right path forward.


The work aims to discover another world or space where one can still experience something untouched and genuine.

Production Year
2020
Duration
00:52:00
Asiasana
Original Title
Down Under
English Title

Down Under

Production Countries
Finland
Dialogue
No
Sound
Yes
Cast
Marcus Lerviks (Author), Marcus Lerviks (Cinematographer), Marcus Lerviks (Composer), Marcus Lerviks (Director), Marcus Lerviks (Editor), Marcus Lerviks (Producer), Marcus Lerviks (Script), Marcus Lerviks (Sound Design), Svenska Kulturfonden (Funder), Taiteen edistämiskeskus (Funder)
Press Photos
Marcus Lerviks lives and works in Vaasa, Finland. He holds MFAdegree from the University of Art and Design Helsinki. His works are typically installations employing video, spatial elements, lights and sound, and they often have a performative dimension. Lerviks has exhibited his works in exhibitions since 1994 in Finland and internationally, including Galleri Maskinen in Umeå, Sweden (2012), Galleri Elverket in Tammisaari, Finland (2009), Vaasa City Art Gallery, Finland (2004, 2006, 2010), Kunsthalle Helsinki (2005), Gallery Sinne in Helsinki (2005), Helsinki Art Museum (2005) and Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma in Helsinki (2004).