HSU YI-TING (2024-2025)
Hsu Yi-Ting (b. 1992, Taiwan) is a visual artist whose work explores the vulnerability of safety and the dynamic relationship between space and the body. Through interdisciplinary, site-specific performances and paintings, she investigates power structures and spatial metaphors. Her ”Floating Bodies” series engages with liminal spaces through performance, while her ”Bodyscapes” series maps sensory geographies through painting.
I had a truly memorable time during my three-month residency at Platform, from the beginning of December to April. It was my second time in Finland and also my second residency here — there’s something about this place that keeps drawing me back.
Despite the season often being described as quiet or melancholic, I found it deeply nourishing. I slept a lot and often felt tired — I’m still not entirely sure why — but gradually, that slowness became part of the rhythm I embraced. What touched me the most was the warmth and kindness of the people I met. Their calm relationship with time, solitude, decision-making, and daily life left a subtle but lasting influence on me. Life here might appear uneventful on the surface, but that stillness opens up space — for reflection, for rare and meaningful encounters, and for appreciating the silence in between.
During the residency, I had the opportunity to engage with the local art scene through several presentations: my site-specific performance Crispy Exchange as part of the Odd One Out Festival, an artist talk titled Floating Body and Space, and my final solo exhibition Floating Body – Map of Deviation. The working process with Platform was smooth and empowering — their trust and professionalism gave me the freedom to fully focus on my work, without second-guessing myself. That kind of support is invaluable; it allows energy to grow and evolve in powerful ways. Beyond the work, I truly enjoyed the rhythm of everyday life here. I went to the sauna almost daily, watched countless breathtaking sunsets with colors I’d never seen before, caught two glimpses of the northern lights, and took walks and hikes that grounded me. These simple experiences helped me disconnect from external noise and reconnect with myself on a deeper level. I also felt genuinely welcomed by my wonderful contact person, whose thoughtful presence made my stay feel like home. The cozy sauna, the reliable bike, the beautiful studio and apartment, and the gentle interactions in daily life all made a real difference and helped me feel rooted, even as a visitor.
During my stay, some of the facilities were still in progress or not yet fully equipped. However, I could clearly see the Platform team actively improving the space and thoughtfully investing in its future. I truly believe Platform is on its way to becoming an even more thoughtful and well-equipped environment for artists — and I’m curious and excited to see how it continues to evolve.
This residency gave me space — not only to work, but to live slowly, observe quietly, and reflect meaningfully. For all of that, I’m deeply grateful.
April 15, 2025. Tainan, Taiwan.
ATO HASFORD (2024)
@Oteankanduro
Ghanaian artist Ato Kwamina Hasford is an intuitive and experimental performance artist, singer and expressive body and movement artist. Throughout the years, he’s created his original work with a critical look at ‘the self’ which is an important element to his narratives that naturally capture the story of the effeminate through the subjects of culture, social constructs, spirituality and sexuality in the African context.
“My time in the Odd One Out residency with Platform RF in Vaasa was nothing short of transformative. Arriving in April during the last weeks of winter, I quickly became immersed in a whirlwind of activities. I had the privilege of leading a workshop for fine arts students at Novia University in Jakobstad and was honored to perform at Vaasan Taidehalli, thanks to Panu, a Platform member, who generously added me to a program I wasn’t originally part of. This serendipitous opportunity led to my first collaboration with Finnish artist Oscar Hagen (N-SÄCK BÜDD), marking the start of a journey filled with creative exploration, support, and sheer bliss.
The Platform team offered me unwavering encouragement throughout my stay, from organizing excursions to making valuable recommendations for my project, even designing my performance costume! Their rallying support culminated in helping me form a band—a dream I hadn’t thought possible in such a short time.
Additionally, Platform’s collaboration with Artists at Risk made it possible for me to remain in Finland, away from the oppressive homophobia in my home country of Ghana, as we await the judiciary’s stance on LGBTQ+ rights.
I am deeply grateful to the City of Vaasa, the local police, Vaasa for Palestine, Regnbågsallians, Jakarte, Insidan, Juke rf, Svenska Gården, for standing by my activism, not only allowing but actively collaborating with me to educate the community on issues of blackness, queerness, and global injustices, particularly in Congo, Sudan, and Palestine.
My heartfelt love goes out to the Mokole band and crew, whose camaraderie and talent made my residency truly special. Thank you, Platform RF, for giving me this life-changing experience.”