“Poissa” – KAISA KONTIO and AINO JÄÄSKELÄINEN

“Poissa” is a joint exhibition by two artists graduating from the Academy of Fine Arts’ Printmaking Department. The exhibition revolves around the theme of absence. Aino Jääskeläinen works with both large-scale monotypes and small metal print editions, while Kaisa Kontio creates collages using old papers, found materials, and various printmaking techniques.

In Jääskeläinen’s works, absence appears as an existential reflection. The solitary figures in her images are immersed in their own thoughts, situated within an inner time and space separate from the present moment. The viewer disrupts the scene, stepping into it. These figures embody a peaceful state of mind where self-reflection is essential.

Kontio’s works depict absence in a more concrete way, relating to the inevitable disappearance of all things. The starting point for her pieces comes from traces of time found in everyday surroundings, often inspired by the unique characteristics of discovered materials. The old papers used in her works—letters, diaries, and calendars of unknown people—serve as reminders of life’s transience. At the same time, they carry forward thoughts from those who have passed. These found texts reflect humanity’s desire to create something permanent. From faded, intricate markings emerge grand words like eternity. The human scale in time is small, yet there remains a deep-seated urge to extend our awareness beyond what our lived experience can ever truly comprehend.

This text was created with AI assistance