In Finnish mythology, Sarajas referred to a mythical distant lake, sea or other water area. For Nykänen, Sarajas has above all been a stage for and a source of creative work, an area on the boundary between everyday consciousness and the subconscious. In mythology, water areas were also considered to be a link between this world and the unknown underworld. The artist’s Sarajas has at times been found in the dark wilderness lakes of Eastern Finland and at times in the sea bordering the wasteland in Helsinki’s Verkkosaari. Nykänen’s works can be seen as portraits of the places where the materials were found. When creating works from the metal pieces, rags and sticks he found from shore areas, his own experience of the places became concrete.
Through art, Nykänen aims to highlight the inseparability of humans and nature and the significance of cultural diversity. The artist’s works often deal with transformation. Wearing and carrying decaying and rusting materials parallels a shamanistic and post-humanistic metamorphosis. Collaboration with Finno-Ugric minority peoples living in Russia has been a significant source of inspiration for the artist. He draws on the fading Uralic cultural heritage when developing his vision of the post-fossil future.
Further information:
Jussi Nykänen
Tel. +358 (0)44 303 0441
jnykanen.taide(at)gmail.com
The exhibition has been supported by the Arts Promotion Centre Finland’s Arts Council of South Savo.
