Thursday, October 18, 2012

A dive into the Parisian art world, part 2: The Finns are here!


Is the essence of good art to make you see the world and your own heart differently?
If you agree, go to see the new exhibitions of two prominent Finnish artists.

Kim Simonsson: Cameleon, 2012. Ceramic, car paint and panel of wood.

It is a common knowledge that we Finns are crazy. And that many Finnish artists are super-talented-crazy with the weird, eye-opening sense of humour.

One of them is ceramic sculptor Kim Simonsson now showing his new works in Paris.
I am dumbstruck in front of his wonderful world, so let´s him speak for himself.
That´s how he describes his works on the web page of Nancy Margolis Gallery:
I made my first sculpture out of snow in the backyard of my childhood home! I realized then that I can capture the sensitivity of movement through my hands. Ever since I have thought of myself as a sculptor who makes figures by hand. Finding the perfect movement has become the essence in my works.
I combine traditional ceramic art with popular cultural phenomenon in large ceramic sculptures. For me the unusual is interesting. Therefore I create my own strange world of characters that comment on everyday life and its weirdness.
The subject matters are usually children, animals or hybrids. One important detail in my sculptures is the eyes are made out of glass; they give the figures a life like appearance.
Authority in its many forms fascinate me and in my work I want to reverse the common beliefs by making the weak powerful.
Kim Simonsson in Galerie Favardin & de Verneuil, 29, rue Duret, 75116 Paris, until November 10th.


A different way of seeing things you can experience with artisan-artist Anu Tuominen, winner of prestigious Ars Fennica Prize 2003.
She works with the sense of quiet, playful humour arranging everyday objects to the contact with each other and giving new meanings to the words, sometimes with yarn, carving and crocheting. 
Anu Tuominen: Fleurs de Sel, 2010. Salt shakers and crocheted small coasters.

Anu´s exhibition Nectar de couleurs is open until the end of October in Johanna Gullichsen´s textile design shop, 74, Rue du Cherche-Midi, 75006 Paris.


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