What Remains – Raija Kuisma

My works consist mainly of plastic. There is an astonishing amount of plastic and plastic derivatives in our everyday environment. I have a clear love-hate relationship with plastic and its use. Plastic and plastic products are a part of daily life. I want to draw attention to plastic and how it is used. I have chosen the working method that suits me best—multi-working. I take a single shape and repeat it to create a new form. The raw materials for my works include plastic containers related to food and its packaging, nylon stockings, plastic toys, videotapes and their ribbons, and ball pits.

Exchange Bath – This piece invites exhibition visitors to bring an unwanted plastic toy to the bath. By leaving a toy in the tub, they can take another one in exchange. Through this process, I seek a symbolic meaning for the continuous circulation of plastic from one person to another, from consumer goods to reuse.

Information Distributor – This piece comments on the rapid obsolescence of modern technology applications and raises the question: what should be done with the plastics left behind by information technology, videos, and other entertainment-related byproducts? The works incorporate materials from everyday human life—always on the move, always in a rush, remembering to take vitamins and eat healthily. There is no need to worry about one’s well-being when you take 100 ml of this and another 100 ml of that.

The circle spins, and we are a part of it—whether we want to be or not. It is possible that the playground turns into a vicious cycle. Or, as in real life, you left, and I remained. What remains?

This text was created with AI assistance