At the Crossroads – The Artist at School Group
The artists of this exhibition first met while working together as part of the Artist at School project under the Pori Children’s Culture Center – Satakunta Children’s Culture Network. In the At the Crossroads exhibition, they come together once more as independent visual artists, each presenting their own artistic work after their shared professional background. At this “crossroads,” they meet one last time before heading off in their own directions. The exhibition offers a diverse selection of their individual expertise, including paintings, photographs, installations, and sculptures.
Roosa Halme (b. 1982, Littoinen)
Graduated as a puppet theater artist (BA) from Turku Arts Academy in 2009 and as a composer (BA) from Pirkanmaa University of Applied Sciences in 2008. Currently studying in the Master’s Program in Visual Culture at Aalto University, School of Arts, Design, and Architecture.
“I am fascinated by all forms of creating, experiencing, and exploring art. I drifted into the world of visual theater, where nearly all art forms come together—from sculpture to sound design, from two-dimensional images to performance. Lately, I have been focused on exploring shadows. What captivates me most is the freedom to experiment, the joy of discovery, the fleeting moment, and the magic of living animation.”
Heikki Hautala (b. 1980, Ylistaro)
Graduated as a visual artist from Satakunta University of Applied Sciences in 2009 and as a furniture carpenter from Ilmajoki School of Arts and Crafts in 2004.
“Art—whatever it may mean—and its various forms, especially the process of creating it, is, for me, an examination of stimuli, pinning them down into images on canvas or paper, sometimes transforming them into sound, text, or action—into works that take on some more or less permanent form. It is an acceptance of chaos while simultaneously striving to control it.”
Toni Lehtola (b. 1981, Seinäjoki)
Graduated in 2008 as a visual artist (BA) from Satakunta University of Applied Sciences, Kankaanpää, specializing in sculpture.
“Adult childhood.”
Laura Myllykangas (b. 1985, Kannus)
Graduated as a visual artist from Satakunta University of Applied Sciences in 2010.
“I work with three-dimensional elements, combining sculptural techniques with printmaking and photography to create installations. My approach is process-oriented, and I often work on the same piece for a long time. I draw inspiration from people, cultures, urban spaces, and the world of toys. Recently, textiles have become my most natural material.”
Meri Mäkinen (b. 1989, Merikarvia)
Graduated as a photographer in 2011 from Sataedu, Nakkila, and as a graphic designer in 2009 from Satakunta School of Arts and Crafts.
“The themes and moods in my images often stem from my own life and emotions. Through my photographs, I express opinions I don’t dare to say out loud. I frequently appear as the subject in my own images—it feels natural to work with myself, especially since inspiration can strike in the middle of the night when an idea must be realized immediately. I also find self-portraiture deeply therapeutic.”
Sanna Pajunen (b. 1981, Ulvila)
Graduated with a Master of Fine Arts in Sculpture from the Academy of Fine Arts, Helsinki, in 2009.
“What does a wordless poem look like? Imagine a story where, for a fleeting moment, the landscape stands still. You pause to observe what has just happened. Does something new arise in your mind? Do you want to step inside the story and touch the untouchable? Within me, there is a stage, a backdrop, a viewpoint, and a space to reach out.”
“In my installations, the story continues and transforms through each viewer, time and time again. Rather than capturing a landscape, I want to create an intense experience—a fleeting vision or an opening for a new story. The viewer’s thoughts follow their own path through the work until they return to their own present moment.”
The exhibition has been supported by the Satakunta Arts Council.
This text was created with AI assistance.