Left things (and grate 1 & 2), 2023

Soap casts, clay, concrete, sand, dirt, silver, steel, aluminium, stone, paper, pigment, sandstone, oil paint

‘Left Things’ is an installation delving into the exploration of liminal spaces, tensions, and the interplay between being and not being, visibility and invisibility, as well as memories and thoughts of uncertainty, belonging, unconventionality, queerness, comfort, and remoteness. ‘Left Things,’ weaves a narrative of memories, experiences, and elements from daily life.

The title itself, ‘Left Things,’ is a reflection of the tension found in the spaces in between themes of being, visibility, and identity. To me, these “left things” are the unspoken, the unconventional, and the ambiguous. Through this work, I sought to explore and embrace the complexities and intricacies of these themes. The installation speaks to the uncertainty inherent in us and the desire to find comfort in unconventional spaces, even in remoteness.

The exhibition text for ‘Left Things’ emphasized the sensual and corporeal nature of the work. It highlighted the tension between materials and aimed to destabilize preconceived notions and embrace the radical act of taking the space needed. My artistic choices in the creation and installation of these works were deliberate, aiming to challenge preconceived notions and embrace uncertainty. The use of materials that are familiar from daily life yet unconventional where they are in my installation, the interaction between different elements, and the open-ended assemblage of ‘Left Things’, are intrinsically tied to the themes that underpin the project. Working with these materials is not merely a means to an end; it is a way of making sense of the world. This approach provides a profound connection between the physical and the conceptual, resulting in an embodiment of the themes I aim to explore.

This work is part of my three-part Bachelor of Fine Arts thesis work. The whole installation was exhibited in the BFA exhibition 22.9.-15.10.2023 in Kuva/Tila, Helsinki, Finland.