VUOKSENHOVI ALL STARS – Timo Kokko, Tyko Elo, Pauliina Jokela

Three art students met at the Imatra School of Art.
They shared an interest in sculpture, although each had a completely different style and approach. The trio often worked together for long hours, and evenings were spent at a nearby restaurant, where the heavy workdays were typically reset. As the evening progressed, discussions could shift from the meaning of art to the prevailing weather conditions. Restaurant Vuoksenhovi served as a therapeutic space, its relaxing atmosphere approaching that of a living room.
Each group member’s choice of subjects, arrangements, and compositions form an exciting and beautiful whole, straddling the borders of illustration and imagination. The grouping of machines, animals, and invented creatures installs itself as an impressive artistic ensemble.

Timo Kokko:
In my works, I explore and marvel at the workings of society and the world. The starting point in my pieces is the human being and their relationship to the environment. The subjects move from personal feelings to broad ideas and opinions on society.
The predominant material in my works has been polyurethane. Its behavior, manipulation, and control are fascinating; you can let it ooze freely, form into whatever it desires, or bind it into shape and control its movements. The works in this exhibition are medium-sized, free-standing figurative sculptures, along with a few larger reliefs.

Pauliina Jokela:
I am interested in combining different techniques under the label of illustration. What fascinates me is the thought that I can endlessly develop stories, around which I create illustrations and sculptures.
In many of my works, I depict animals—not in a naturalistic way, but somewhat imaginatively. I perceive each person as some kind of animal. Therefore, the characters in my works often represent people I am close to, in animal forms.
My works are created in Helsinki’s Tapanila from fishnet, papier-mâché, discarded paintbrush handles, plywood pieces, and random found objects. Various materials shape themselves into creatures, who will take care of what the final result will be.

Tyko Elo:
“Monsters Without a Name”
Recently, we’ve read in the world press that a new species of fish has been discovered off the coast of the Pacific Ocean. Unfortunately, it died. There must be more of them in the depths of the sea, but for now, in Porginaali, it’s on display.
For some time now, I have been fascinated by how animals’ names have come about. And what if an entirely new species were to appear? It would keep the biologists up late choosing a name and classification.
Generally, people find anything new to be frightening, and thus new animals are Monsters. Monsters must be extremely recognizable. I have wanted to create the illusion of novelty using polyurethane and silicone. By coloring them in various ways, I’ve aimed for monstrosity. I’m not sure if I’ve succeeded, but I am Monster-Tyksy.

This text was created with AI assistance