Secret Network survey by Bunker Down Subterranean Property Consultants
Surveillance Hub, Townhall, Nykarlaby
Surveillance camera views across the hidden network
Kuddnäs Museum, entry to Secret Network
Secret Network
Secret Rooms Project 2024
Nykarleby, FINLAND
Project initiated by Arts Residency OUR AIR
Materials: timber, mirror, video projection
Sally Kidall's subterranean intervention weaves together fictional narratives. She recounts tales of forgotten underground passageways and concealed rooms scattered across Nykarleby. Visitors can only view this hidden network through a single entry point in the cellar of Kuddnäs Museum, while the central surveillance hub, located in the town hall, is viewable via a video feed.
During the recent renovation of the Kuddnäs Museum, remnants of a secret tunnel network were unearthed, believed to date back to the 17th century when the Earl of Tott’s residence was under construction. This network connected important city buildings, including safety bunkers and escape routes in case of attack. The discovery highlights Nykarleby’s strategic significance during this period, as it was centrally located on the historic route connecting Oulu and Stockholm, a vital corridor for the region's defence against the persistent threat of Russian invasion. It's interesting to compare these historic networks with contemporary government regulations that mandate the inclusion of security bunkers in all new constructions exceeding a certain size.
Artist Statement
Kidall travels internationally creating her vast site-responsive interventions in challenging locations and buildings of interest, showing beyond the restraints of the gallery. She explores metaphorical spaces and environments that engage with the anxieties and insecurities of our contemporary society. She endeavours to inspire and challenge a wider audience, evoking thoughts/questions and stimulating discussion. The majority of her works are temporary and built within natural and urban environments, incorporating virtual and narrative elements with video and sound.
#This project is a site-responsive fictional intervention by conceptual artist Sally Kidall
Secret Rooms Project 2024
Nykarleby, FINLAND
Project initiated by Arts Residency OUR AIR
Materials: timber, mirror, video projection
Sally Kidall's subterranean intervention weaves together fictional narratives. She recounts tales of forgotten underground passageways and concealed rooms scattered across Nykarleby. Visitors can only view this hidden network through a single entry point in the cellar of Kuddnäs Museum, while the central surveillance hub, located in the town hall, is viewable via a video feed.
During the recent renovation of the Kuddnäs Museum, remnants of a secret tunnel network were unearthed, believed to date back to the 17th century when the Earl of Tott’s residence was under construction. This network connected important city buildings, including safety bunkers and escape routes in case of attack. The discovery highlights Nykarleby’s strategic significance during this period, as it was centrally located on the historic route connecting Oulu and Stockholm, a vital corridor for the region's defence against the persistent threat of Russian invasion. It's interesting to compare these historic networks with contemporary government regulations that mandate the inclusion of security bunkers in all new constructions exceeding a certain size.
Artist Statement
Kidall travels internationally creating her vast site-responsive interventions in challenging locations and buildings of interest, showing beyond the restraints of the gallery. She explores metaphorical spaces and environments that engage with the anxieties and insecurities of our contemporary society. She endeavours to inspire and challenge a wider audience, evoking thoughts/questions and stimulating discussion. The majority of her works are temporary and built within natural and urban environments, incorporating virtual and narrative elements with video and sound.
#This project is a site-responsive fictional intervention by conceptual artist Sally Kidall
