Katri Paunu:
Entangled – Kietoutuneet

Katri Paunu: Entangled – Kietoutuneet 

“Entangled – Kietoutuneet is a series of ceramic sculptures composed of clay figures and reliefs. In addition to abstract and organic forms, the sculptures feature figurative beings reminiscent of the plant and insect worlds, inviting exploration at the boundary between the material and the organic. 

The works reflect the intricate architecture of nature, where ceramics transform into a metaphor for the interconnectedness and entanglement of life. The reliefs depict the layered structures of nature, consisting of web-like branches and textures that form patterns and figures. These structures evoke the interconnections of ecosystems, the overlapping of different life forms, and the delicate balance within ecological systems. 

The most fascinating aspect of working with ceramics is its multi-stage and slow process, which serves as a counterbalance to the fast-paced present and digital culture. Clay demands presence and careful interaction. What captivates me most in the process is the act of shaping—connecting with the clay through my hands and immersing myself in the possibilities of the material. My work is constantly influenced by experiencing nature’s diversity—sensing, observing, and marveling at it in a concrete way.” 

Katri Paunu (b. 1993) is a sculptor whose practice is rooted in ceramics as both material and process. Essential to her work is hand-molding clay and integrating sculpture, painting, and spatial elements into her pieces. She is particularly fascinated by the manifestation of ontology and organic forms, structures, and space. 

Paunu studied at the Gerrit Rietveld Academy in Amsterdam and the Oslo National Academy of the Arts, where she earned her Master of Fine Arts degree in 2021. She has participated in exhibitions in Finland, the Netherlands, Denmark, and Norway. In 2023, Rauma Art Museum organized a solo exhibition of her work. Paunu currently lives and works in Rauma. 

Her work has been supported by the Arts Promotion Centre Finland in 2024.