Visual artist Heli Ryhänen (b. 1971, Iisalmi) from Tampere is one of the most famous contemporary Finnish sculptors. Her exhibition presents mainly her works from the past few years, spatial works and sculptures. These include two installations finished in 2020 that deal with the theme of refugee displacement: Domux Lux, which refers to the light and memories of and longing for lost homes, and Kylmä maa (Cold Ground), which depicts pairs of feet wandering onward, standing still and fallen down.
Throughout her career, Heli Ryhänen has boldly utilized and combined different materials in her sculptures, such as ceramics, metal, plastic, bronze, fiberglass and paper. She is known particularly for her textile sculptures sewn from recycled and artificial leather, fabric and gauze that depict warty human and animal characters reflecting on the great questions, emotions and phases of life. Ryhänen’s art deals with themes such as birth and death, good and evil, innocence and sanctity. The mysterious and unexplainable feel also speaks to the viewer and evokes associations, emotions and memories. Heli Ryhänen is also known for her numerous public sculptures located in various parts of Finland.
