An Eternal Longing
Welcome to the opening of the exhibition on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, from 5 to 7 p.m. Music will be provided by Petri Peevo & Jouko Hohko, and Veera Näsman will perform a dance improvisation.
Welcome to an exhibition that invites you to engage in a conversation about longing. The artists aim to create a space where their artworks engage in dialogue with the spectator and with each other, prompting the question:
What are you longing for?
The artworks reflect a longing for both our inner selves and the world around us, including nature and people. Forests, seas, cliffs, mountains, and the creatures that inhabit nature bring inner peace and a sense of belonging. This peace and feeling of belonging in nature are reflected in the artworks of both Merja Castrèn and Paula Pitkänen. The exhibition encourages you to explore the longing for Mother Earth and the universal heights.
Merja Castrén
– I began my career as an artist in late middle age. My previous education in chemistry influenced my ceramic studies, particularly in understanding glazes and colors. Nature has always held a special place in my heart, and I have incorporated elements of the northern coldness into my exhibitions, even taking them to places as warm as Bucharest. The contrast between the cold North and the hot South there created a striking juxtaposition.
Paula Pitkänen
-I began painting at the age of 12 at Vantaa Art School. The desire to eventually become a professional artist was evident from the moment I first picked up a brush, so I continued my studies at Hyvinkää Art School. Although I paused making art for an extended period due to family and graphic design work, I returned to painting in 2016. My technique primarily involves acrylic painting on canvas or recycled plexiglass, and I incorporate materials such as sand and recycled materials into my works. Additionally, I create graphics. The roles of artist and graphic designer form a cohesive and complementary partnership.
