Elina Helenius & Saara Renvall (Hall 1):
a matter of – encounters in the material

The joint exhibition by Elina Helenius and Saara Renvall focuses on the relationship between humans and matter. The starting point is material research that deals with substance, humanity, and existence. The works reflect on our relationship with the world around us. They seek answers to topical, human questions by exploring the information, memories, and shared experiences embedded in materials. 

The works in the exhibition – sculptures and textiles – are in dialogue with each other. As tangible materials, they create a counterforce to the prevailing, overwhelming digitality of our time. Familiar materials, wood and wool, are easily accessible and evoke connections to the exhibition visitors' own experiences.

The works of the two artists intertwine to form a whole, in which the dialogue between hard and soft materials provides a basis for the exhibition visitor's own interpretation. The strong color scheme of the works supports the atmosphere.

Elina Helenius (born 1963) is an award-winning textile artist and designer. She is particularly known for her colorful textile works created using the ryijy technique and her industrially woven functional textiles. Elina Helenius' textiles have been featured in numerous international exhibitions and publications. Her works are included in private and museum collections in Finland and abroad. 

Saara Renvall (born 1973) is a Helsinki-based artist who works with sculptures and experimental design. She holds a Master of Arts degree (2003) and a Bachelor of Arts degree (1999). 

She has been awarded the Bryggman Grant (2005) and Young Designer of the Year (2010), and her artistic work has been supported by the Finnish Cultural Foundation and the Arts Promotion Center Finland. 

Since 2000, her works have been exhibited in solo and group exhibitions in Finland and abroad, including New York, Brussels, and Lausanne.  Themes related to the value of time and humanity are at the core of Renvall's work. Renvall's work is based on a passionate relationship with working with his hands and a respect for the natural properties of materials.

Renvall's work for the exhibition has been supported by the Finnish Cultural Foundation and the Arts Promotion Centre Finland.