MILK & HONEY – Leena Vainio

Mixing colors is meditative and leads to an instinctive and focused way of painting. The brush movement originating from the whole body creates layers of color and space on the canvas. The canvas reflects both the fragility and vulnerability of life, as well as joy and happiness. Sometimes I physically move into space and create installations and performances. The feel of the material and the touch of color are important to me in all my artwork. In installations, I often use light and nature-related materials, such as linen fibers, threads, and sheets.

Since the spring of 2017, my work has dealt with the extreme emotions caused by my experience of breast cancer and recovery, such as fear, anger, sadness, hope, and joy. Breast cancer has been the most common cancer among Finnish women for a long time. About 5,000 women are diagnosed with it every year, one in eight Finnish women. Currently, nearly 90% of breast cancer patients are alive five years after diagnosis, with the majority recovering completely. One in five localized breast cancers reoccur after treatment. Sometimes, breast cancer may return years or even decades later (Cancer Foundation). Over 800 women die from breast cancer in Finland each year (Statistics Finland). In Finland, breast cancer treatment is effective. However, the processing of trauma related to the diagnosis and the holistic care of the person often takes a back seat.

However, the purpose of this exhibition is not to be a sick story but a reflection of the mind, breath, movement, and color. Abstract expression detaches the works from my personal experience to a relatable experience of color, space, and feeling for the viewer. Instinctive, non-representational working is natural and liberating for me.

The vulnerability of humans and nature has been a theme in my previous exhibitions as well. My solo exhibitions include Studio Mältinranta in Tampere in 2017 and Galleria Becker in Jyväskylä in 2016. I have participated in many group exhibitions, including the Kohtauspaikkana Kangasala exhibition at the Kimmo Pyykkö Art Museum in 2017, and the Taitoliitto Pistot exhibition at CraftCorner in Helsinki and Näytönpaikka at the Finnish Handicraft Museum in Jyväskylä in 2018. I am a member of the Baren Baren art group, Avarataide Ry, and the Tampere Artist Association, as well as an associate member of the Finnish Painters’ Union.

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Information

Artist: Leena Vainio

12.05.2018 – 29.05.2018

Room: Poriginal gallery, Eteläranta 6, Pori