Sculptures / Paintings

Pertti Lohiniva
Born in 1958 in Rovaniemi, lives and works in Pori.

– First, it should be noted that the definition of the works as “paintings” is somewhat misleading, as the works are indeed oil paintings but could also be mixed-media works or prints. The final result is a combination of all these. I wanted to give myself the freedom to do everything without a restrictive technique. Pure painting was no longer enough, and I became more and more interested in the combination of photography and painting, merging representational and symbolic elements. I’ve always believed that an artist must have a story to tell the viewer, even if it’s just “a small, delicate glimpse of life.” I ended up depicting a man/woman/person, both in the good and bad. Although the starting point has been very subjective, I have tried to distance myself from personal emotions so that the viewer can find their own interpretation. I’ve been an incurable romantic all my life, but when that can’t carry me anymore, pessimism seems to visit too often. Perhaps life, after all, is stronger…

Sauli Miettunen
Born in 1961 in Haukipudas, now living in Kemi. He studied at the Peräpohjola Institute of Art in Tornio and the Lahti Institute of Fine Arts. Miettunen has held several solo exhibitions and participated in group exhibitions in Finland, Sweden, Hungary, and Russia. His works are part of the collections of the Kemi and Lahti Art Museums, as well as owned by the cities of Kemi, Székesfehérvár (Hungary), and Luleå (Sweden), and the municipality of Pelkosenniemi. Miettunen has received several awards and grants, the latest being a working grant from the Finnish Arts Council.

Miettunen is one of the most significant contemporary sculptors from Northern Finland, and he is also respected as a painter. The form and materials of his sculptures are closely related to nature. On the other hand, he uses household appliances or old objects as a starting point, evoking nostalgia. Recently, Miettunen has become particularly interested in wood and plywood. He uses these materials in a very personal and new way. The diagonal form and its variations stand out in Miettunen’s expression in a unique manner that is characteristic only to him. The shape is sharply curved – Miettunen explores the possibilities of diagonal in his work.

Seppo Öfverström
Born in 1947 in Helsinki, lives and works in the rural municipality of Rovaniemi.

I don’t try to provide answers. I want to raise questions.

Different materials converse with each other. The starting point for my works is often doors patinated by time, crumbling walls, gates, locks, and windows. The different protections people create. What messages do they carry from previous generations? Who is speaking?

Perhaps I’m trying to explain that tomorrow is soon yesterday.

This text was created with AI assistance