Oil paintings
Welcome to the opening of the exhibition on Wednesday 8.1.2025 from 17:00 to 19:00.
How can one learn to stop, be still, and listen—to oneself and the world around? Perhaps then we would see more. In my work, I strive to achieve a sense of silence, which is otherwise very difficult to find in this world. There are monasteries and retreats designed for quiet contemplation. I hope that art, too, can provide slowness and silence, a deeper viewing experience, and a meditative state.
In today’s world, it is nearly impossible to rest or pause. Everything and everyone is compelled to serve economic growth, and self-worth is tied to productivity. Unfortunately, I notice this in myself as well and try to rebel against it. On the other hand, idleness often carries a sense of shame. It feels as though one must earn their place and be useful.
Observing light, subjects, and spaces—and painting layer by layer slowly—requires time and effort, but also creative breaks. Resting and taking breaks have become central to my current way of thinking. Could one do a little less instead of more? It would be easiest to follow the crowd and take on more work because that’s what is expected. However, all ideas of efficiency and maximum production feel very alien to me.
If only we could take the time to look calmly, without rushing anywhere. Why not give it a try yourself?
Photo above: Leevi Kivisaari, Empire State Building, oil painting on canvas, 100 x 73 cm, 2024.
–I hold a Master of Fine Arts degree and have been working as a painter for over 20 years. Persistently going against the grain, I hone my technical skills and strive to capture not just likeness but also something essential about the subject I observe. This could be a subtle humorous twist, an oddity, or a mood. I invite the viewer to linger and take their time experiencing art.
