performance «Ismo Lämmittää saunaa»
Aletheia festival, Raseborg (Finland)
photos by Antti Ahonen
2023

In the late 1990s, one of the mobile network operators made a memorable advertisement. In this ad we see Ismo, a Finnish man, relaxing in his mökki (cottage house) on an island. He begins to warm the sauna and shouts to his neighbor who is on another island nearby inviting him to join his sauna. Ismo adds: "I offer you some beer!" Then he goes off to throw some firewood in the sauna and, when returns, discovers with shock that all his neighbors from all the nearby islands heard his generous offer and are sailing in the direction of his house.

Like many, after having moved to Finland I took an integration course for immigrants from 2021 to 2023, where, in addition to the language, I learned some cultural features of the country. The main goal of this course was to help a new immigrant with finding employment. The advertisement with Ismo, which certainly contains Finnish self-irony, moved me to reflect on my experience and communication problems in a new country. I decided to make a performance about the Finnish language as experienced by an immigrant.

I wrote a text similar to the ones I've written while I was looking for a job. On one hand, I had to write dozens of applications for artistic grants and look for work in my professional field as an artist. On the other hand, Finnish integration courses gave me a clear message: immigrants typically fill in the jobs that are most needed (e.g. cleaning and caring for the elderly). In the text, I write a motivation letter applying for a the position of a cleaner, as if an artist was writing it.

Extract from the text in Finnish and translation (in English):

"Minulla on laaja kokemus ammattimaisesta siivouksesta ja tilojen puhtaanapidosta erilaisissa laitoksissa. Koulutukseni tällä alalla sisältää työskentelykokemuksen siivousalan ammattilaisena toimistoissa, kaupoissa ja muissa julkisissa tiloissa. Tavoitteenani on noudattaa tiukkoja hygieniastandardeja ja ylläpitää korkeaa siivouksen ja huolellisuuden tasoa, luoden miellyttävän ja viihtyisän ilmapiirin sekä työntekijöille että vierailijoille. Työkokemukseni kattaa monipuolisen siivousvalikoiman, mukaan lukien erilaisten lattiapintojen pesun, pintojen huolellisen pyyhkimisen sekä hygieniatilojen puhdistuksen. Minulla on myös kokemusta monista erilaisista siivousvälineistä ja -laitteista. Olen vastuuntuntoinen ja tarkkaavainen yksityiskohtiin, mikä mahdollistaa tehokkaan ja laadukkaan työn suorittamisen. Suhtaudun siivousammattiin vakavasti ja tavoitteeni on saavuttaa erinomaiset tulokset. Nautin tiimityöskentelystä, mutta olen myös kykenevä organisoimaan työni itsenäisesti ja suorittamaan tehtävät sovitussa aikataulussa. Olen innokas liittymään tiimiinne ammattimaisena siivoojana ja tuomaan oman panokseni tilojen puhtaanapidon tärkeyteen sekä järjestyksen ylläpitämiseen laitoksessanne. Olen vakuuttunut yrityksenne maineesta ja ammattimaisesta ilmapiiristä ja olisin erittäin iloinen, jos minulle annettaisiin tilaisuus olla osa teidän menestyksekästä tiimiänne."


"I possess extensive experience in professional cleaning and maintaining cleanliness in various facilities. My training in this field includes working as a cleaning professional in offices, stores, and other public spaces. My aim is to adhere to strict hygiene standards and uphold a high level of cleanliness and meticulousness, fostering a pleasant and welcoming environment for both employees and visitors.

My expertise encompasses a wide range of cleaning tasks, including the washing of various floor surfaces, thorough surface wiping, and hygiene facility cleaning. I am proficient in handling various cleaning tools and equipment. I am responsible and meticulous, allowing me to carry out efficient and high-quality work. I approach the cleaning profession with dedication, striving for excellent results.

While I thrive in team environments, I am also capable of organizing my work independently and completing tasks within established timelines. I am enthusiastic about joining your team as a professional cleaner and contributing to the importance of maintaining cleanliness and order in your facility. I am confident in your company's reputation and professional atmosphere, and I would be delighted to have the opportunity to be part of your successful team."