I will present my new works in cast aluminum, fiberglass and plaster at the Taidehalli Häme exhibition, portraits of the series Hän-Hen. In the series of works, I describe the encounter of anonymous persons without emphasizing their gender (e.g. she-he). I especially deal with looking and seeing, moments when we face a new situation and people with whom our communication has not yet fully opened. Another theme of mine is body language; its gestures and signals, the middle ground between approach and repulsion, where even a small gesture may turn into a strong interpretation for its recipient as either received or rejected.

Through the mirroring surfaces of the series of works and the mirrors on the walls, the sculptures, and at the same time the spectators present are reflected to each other. In this way, the sculptures, and at the same time the spectators present, are reflected to each other through the mirrors. With these reflections, the boundaries of individual works can no longer be clearly defined, as can their gender, and it is no longer possible to say unequivocally where an individual work begins or where it ends – what belongs to the work itself and what does not. As is characteristic of sculptures, the Hän-Hen series of works looks a little different depending on the place and moment of viewing.

The second part of the Hän-Hen collection consists of two color photographs of the sculptures taken at different times. The first of them is placed on the neck of the Kissamies sculpture. The photo was taken at the stage where the sculpture is molded from clay. In this way, the sculpture, as it were, presents an earlier version or memory image of itself. The second photo is next to the Hän-Hen sculpture or looking at “themself” from the opposite wall. The joint presentation of the sculptures and the photographs taken of them is related to one of the functions of the photograph: to remember. We take pictures to remember what we experienced. Memory photos have been one of my central points of departure when researching the series of works and the gaze and looking. In the sculpture series, memories come to light not only through the ever-changing reflective surfaces, but also from the different communication situations we experience in the gallery space. These moments of experience are situations created by looking, seeing and the change of spring light, which may remain as the viewer’s memories even after the exhibition. I hope so.

Helsinki-based sculptor Marjukka Korhonen (b. 1968) graduated with a Master of Fine Arts (KuM) in 2001, from the Academy of Fine Arts (University of the Arts Academy of Fine Arts). Her artistic work extends from individual artworks to public urban space planning projects, e.g. Ombra, Keimolanmäki in Vantaa (2019). Latest solo exhibitions: Galleria Becker 2022, Galleria Itä and Galleria Sculptor 2020. Group exhibitions: Galleria Bässen 2022, “Form i Marienhamn” 2021, Iisalmen Koivukujabiennaali 2021. 

The exhibition has been supported by the Finnish Cultural Foundation and the Center for the Promotion of Art.

Lisätietoja:
www.marjukkakorhonen.net