Publication.
Flatlands is a cross-disciplinary work by artist Jani Ruscica that is based on three ambiguous pictures from different historical periods and contexts, each containing a musical instrument. All pictures reflect the social values of their day, and they share an underlying theme of silencing. In the project, the pictures were used as models for three unique objects of art: a bamboo instrument, a glass instrument, and an instrument of readymades.

Watson Memić worked closely with Jani Ruscica to create the printed programme to accompany the performances of Flatlands, presented in the Lönnström Art Museum, Finland and the Riga International Biennial of Contemporary Art in 2018.

Musicians developed novel techniques for playing the unique objects. In the project performances, the glass instrument was played by saxophonist Linda Fredriksson, the bamboo instrument by keyboardist and harpsichordist Matias Häkkinen, and the instrument of readymades by electronic musician Sara Milazzo. The imaginary instruments were built by artisans in collaboration with the artist. Each instrument matches the original as closely as possible.