Niina Vatanen
Kaunokirjoitusta (“Cursive”)
14.7. – 1.8.2010
Galleria Huuto Uudenmaankatu
Niina Vatanen’s exhibition Kaunokirjoitusta (”Cursive”) consists of photographs and needlework, and discusses themes related to language, writing, memory, and the passing of time. The two parallel and partially overlapping works examine the transience of places, times, and memories. Another important aspect is our aim to record all this: a human need to leave a trace of oneself.
“My photographs are created from the tension between the past and the present; from the constantly changing state born from the inescapable passing of time. I am inspired by places where this is illustrated by layers, dents and details showing the imprints of the years. In my works, I deal with questions concerning the importance of memories as the basis for identity as well as for understanding the nature of existence.”
The second part of the exhibition consists of sewing machine stitches on different kinds of papers, cards, and other materials. “Stitches create imprints that resemble text and refer to written language. The lines take after writing and form a rhythmical code system, a kind of a secret language. While sewing I’ve tried to follow the logic of language and adjust to the rhythm of the words as well as examine how letters form words, words form lines and these, in turn, become meanings which will then fade and eventually disappear.”
Niina Vatanen (born 1977 in Kuopio, Finland; lives and works in Helsinki) studied photography at the University of Art and Design Helsinki and graduated as Master of Arts in 2008. She has done minor subject studies at the Finnish Academy of Fine Arts as well as been an exchange student at the Department of Fine Arts at the University of Barcelona. She had her debut exhibition The Red Letter (and Other Confessions) at Photographic Gallery Hippolyte in Helsinki in 2006, after which her works have been on display at several group exhibitions in Finland, Central Europe, and Russia. Her works have recently been on display at Helsinki Art Museum Meilahti. Kaunokirjoitusta is Vatanen’s second solo exhibition.
The exhibition has been kindly supported by the Finnish Art Association, the Arts Council of Helsinki Metropolitan Region and the National Council for Photographic Art.
