FactoryMäed

FactoryMäed is a conceptual art project and performance piece created by Estonian artist Eva Mustonen. The project explores themes of industrial decay, the nature of work, and the transformation of spaces. The name "FactoryMäed" itself is a combination of the Estonian word for "factory" and "hills," suggesting a landscape of abandoned industrial sites.

The core of FactoryMäed involves Mustonen interacting with derelict factory buildings. These interactions can take various forms, often documented through photography and video. She might engage in quiet contemplation within the ruins, perform symbolic actions, or even collaborate with the decaying structures themselves, treating them as active participants in her artistic process. The project questions the value society places on industrial production and its subsequent abandonment, highlighting the aesthetic and emotional resonance of these forgotten places.

Mustonen's work often employs a minimalist aesthetic, focusing on the raw textures, light, and shadows within the factory environments. The performances are typically solitary, emphasizing the artist's personal dialogue with the historical and physical remnants of industry. FactoryMäed has been exhibited and presented in various forms, contributing to discussions about post-industrial landscapes and the enduring impact of human activity on the environment. The project invites viewers to reconsider their relationship with the built environment and the stories embedded within it.