The last two artists of this season of OAF Academy have finally been selected! They include Emil Nordman, a performance artist and performer and the rapper Mika Leminen, aka MC Cepa! Huge congratulations to both!
Nordman and Leminen will both receive a six-month grant, an artist mentor and production support to help them realise their artistic dreams. During the work period, the artists will work on new art works that will be presented at the 2025 Outsider Art Festival.
Mika Leminen, stage name MC Cepa, is a writer, rapper and leader of the rap band Cepan Maailma. In Cepan Maailma, Leminen writes the lyrics and other artists perform the songs. Leminen writes lyrical punchline rap at a very high level, combining 90’s rap word play and satirical social commentary with a modern trap sound. Leminen also has a strong literature background and he has published several essays among other texts.
“The income streams of a underground artist are irregular and small, and the grant application process helps me focus on writing instead of money worries. I plan to use the grant period to take my texts to a new level. I also look forward to gaining new perspectives on my art and career from my mentors. I intend to make the most of this opportunity,” says Leminen, describing his feelings about participating in OAF Academy.
Emil Nordman is a performance artist and performer who has been involved with DuvTeatern since 2016. Nordman is passionate about dance and is skilled in juggling with poi, sticks and swords. In art, Nordman is particularly inspired by the movement language of martial arts and swordplay. Nordman has participated in the dance production Tässä tanssissa minä vien (2019), produced by Mad House Helsinki and directed by Tellervo Kalleinen. In 2022, Nordman performed in Sense of Hope, a dance performance as part of Två Duetter (Two Duets), a co-production between DuvTeatern and Carl Knif Company.
“Due to my disability dysfasi, I would like take this opportunity to create working conditions where I can take things slow and thoroughly in this project, so that it doesn’t overwhelm me. Most of my life I’ve been very inactive, and this project gives me power to be active and not remain at home doing nothing. I’m very excited to work this way, and I’m looking forward to learning new skills and meeting new people”, says Emil.
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OAF Academy is a new art program that was established in January 2023 as a part of the Outsider Art Festival. OAF Academy opens new possibilities of employment for marginal artists working in the fields of visual arts, performing arts, music, movie, literature and media arts. The program is produced by the outsider art agency and production house Pertti’s Choice, and it’s funded by Kone Foundation.
Photo: Yoshi Omori
Read more: Mika Leminen, Emil Nordman
