PIA MÄNNIKKÖ – GROWTH

The materials and visual elements of Männikkö’s works often refer to the human physicality even if this may not always be obvious at first glance. You can find actual body impressions, landscapes consisting of body shapes or even a tree growth ring made of hair. In addition, the works use everyday materials, such as rescue blankets, masking tape and even an ordinary fan.

Slow changes and the passage of time are also made visible in the exhibition. The installations take on a slightly different form each time they enter a new space. The forms of the works grow almost organically from one presentation to another.

Männikkö studied at the Department of Sculpture and Environmental Art at the Glasgow School of Art in Scotland, graduating in 2010. She continued her sculpture studies at the Academy of Fine Arts in Helsinki, graduating as a Master of Fine Arts in 2014.

Männikkö’s works have toured the world extensively. They have been displayed in Paris, New York, and Sydney, for example. She has also created public works of art in Gothenburg and Tierp, Sweden as well as in the Lighthouse Hospital in Turku. Some of Männikkö’s works are included in the art collections of Kiasma and the Finnish State. The exhibition at Joensuu Art Museum is Männikkö’s first solo exhibition at a museum.