The group exhibition AVOIN showcases the work of three artists who work analogously with materials. Wood, paper, and clay are transformed under pressure into pieces that embody the typical expression of the creators. Pressure is present in the relief printing technique of graphic prints, in bending veneer waves, and in shaping clay by hand.

The materials and interpretations of the works transport viewers to the forest, the waves, and the everyday life of the sanatorium. For example, Ilkka Kärkkäinen’s piece “A Human Behind the Curtain” is constructed in the spirit of “ready-made,” using a lamp previously used for examining X-ray films. Kulju’s works once again explore the realm of fragility. While typically dealing with forest themes, her new works also incorporate the experience of a close relative in a tuberculosis sanatorium. Jouko Kärkkäinen’s tranquil waves are depicted in large-scale works, with the latest piece featuring punctured surfaces.

The exhibition’s title, open in Finnish, speaks to the starting point of artistic work. One must be open and receptive to the surrounding world. One must also be open to giving of oneself to the viewer and to creating authentically.