In *Monitor Man*, Yassine Khaled creates an embodiment of virtual communication in public space. The artist wears a helmet affixed with an iPad, which offers a real-time connection to a person outside of Europe and the Western world. Through the use of technology and his own body, Khaled uses the performance to transgress actual, national borders which separate people. The performance is an opportunity for people to meet with someone who is physically far away and restricted in their freedom of movement. *Monitor Man* was inspired by the current refugee crisis and how it is unfolding in relation to the internet, social media, and the omnipresence of technology. The project began on the streets of Helsinki, but is ongoing, as the artist presents the work in different locations around the Western world.

The video of *Monitor Man* introduces a captivating image of virtual communication into the public space while also serving as a mirror to European society by showcasing the reactions of passers-by and the discussions that emerge during the encounters. The documentation of the performance provides a fascinating overview of six cities with different identities—and their readiness to accept *Monitor Man*.

Yassine Khaled’s sculptures, installations, performances, paintings, and videos focus on the disparity between the power and wealth of some, and the powerlessness and poverty of others in our globalized world. Khaled visualizes power relations between individuals caused by, for instance, ever-increasing gaps in wealth, socio-cultural differences, labor conditions, educational opportunities—the conditions that determine one’s level of comfort and stability in society.

Links: https://vimeo.com/259583366, https://yassinekhaled9.wixsite.com/yassine

Video written and directed by: Yassine Khaled
Participants of the performance ("connectors"): Reda Khaled, Isadora Pamplona, Isa "Baggysnow", Yassine Talha, Elina Lajunen, Salam Alajmi
Camera: Elina Oikari, Yassine Khaled, Hami Bahadori, Gregoire Rousseau, Brian Leong
Editing: Elina Oikari, Yassine Khaled
Sound design: Jyri Pirinen
Supported by: Kone Foundation, Arts Promotion Centre Finland, Baltic Circle International Theatre Festival, Academy of Fine Arts, University of The Arts Helsinki

Yassine Khaled (MA/FI) is a visual artist based in Helsinki. Khaled was born, raised, and received his artistic training in Morocco and lives and currently works in Helsinki. This geographic and cultural shift has had an evident impact on his work. He was selected for the 2nd Prize for Artist of the New Generation, Morocco in 2014. Khaled’s works have been represented internationally in galleries, art fairs, and biennales including: SALTS Group Exhibition, Birsfelden (2017-2018), CHART Art Fair (2017), Copenhagen, Haihara Art Centre, Tampere (2017), SUPERMARKET Art Fair, Stockholm (2017), Art Fair Suomi, Helsinki (2017), CMOOA -Collection’s Auction, Palace Es Saadi, Marrakech (2016), Exhibition Laboratory, Helsinki (2016-2017), 1:54 Contemporary African Art Fair, London (2015), GVCC, Casablanca (2012-2017), and ”Luxures”, RonchauxRoom, Besançon, France (2014), Biennale OFF 4 Marrakech (2012), and Contemporary Art Fair of Africa and the Mediterranean, Casablanca (2011).