SIGNS OF THE SKY – Kimmo Ojaniemi

Kimmo Ojaniemi is a visual artist from Turku who has held numerous exhibitions since the 1980s across Finland and beyond. He has also created several public works, including the “Eye of Gaia” in the Myllytunnel in Turku and a memorial at the Dominican Monastery in Olavinpuisto, Turku.

Originally trained as a painter, Ojaniemi is a master of many techniques. His current use of wood material follows a period from the 1980s until 2006, during which he focused on electrically powered, sound-producing, and moving mechanical sculptures.

Ojaniemi’s art draws inspiration from human history, cultures, natural sciences, religion, and power. The Signs of the Sky exhibition explores the sky both metaphorically and literally.

Ojaniemi describes himself as an agnostic but acknowledges the profound significance of religion for individuals and society. This is reflected in his choice of subjects and titles of his works throughout his career. For several years, he has been working on a cathedral theme, constructing large sculptures from wooden slats. At the Poriginal gallery, at least two cathedral structures will be exhibited, along with a floor-to-ceiling “Pillar,” inspired by the great cathedrals of Europe.

In the Signs of the Sky exhibition, Ojaniemi also highlights photography, shifting the medium from a tool of the artist’s work to the central focus of the exhibition by presenting a series of photographic pieces. He explains that the motif of the photographs relates to the traditional Finnish idea of the connection between nature experiences and religious experiences. A key feature of the exhibition is also a powerful, atmospheric sound piece created by Ojaniemi.

Translated with ChatGPT