Renowned himmelist Eija Koski brings tranquility and tradition to the iconic Paimio Sanatorium with The Healing Power of Himmeli exhibition.
A longtime ambassador for the traditions around himmelis – geometric mobiles made of straw – artist Eija Koski has exhibited internationally and written four books on himmelis translated to multiple languages, including English, Japanese, Spanish and Swedish.
The Christmas exhibition The Healing Power of Himmeli at Paimio Sanatorium, the unique architectural masterpiece designed by Alvar and Aino Aalto in the 1930s, is a rare opportunity to see her art up close in Finland. A meditative, healing practice, the art of making himmelis perfectly aligns with the sanatorium’s vision of functioning as a center for learning and holistic wellbeing. “This exhibition is a dream come true for me, as I have experienced the healing power of himmelis myself. Himmelis are intricate, three-dimensional structures, and building them requires time and peace. You must work without distractions and immerse yourself in the process,” says Koski, who will also be leading a himmeli workshop at the sanatorium on December 7 and 8.
The art of making himmelis dates back centuries and is closely tied to Finnish culture. Traditionally created from rye straw, himmelis were essential Christmas ornaments in
Finnish homes until the 1870s. Their size was often believed to predict the bounty of the harvest – the larger the himmeli, the greater the hope for prosperity. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the himmeli is a powerful reminder of humanity’s connection to nature. Made from rye, a resilient grain central to Finnish sustenance for centuries, himmelis embody the cycle of life. Koski uses rye from her own farm to compose her artworks.
“As rye grows, it bends at the stem, forming joints that symbolize the phases of human life,” she reflects. In the words of philosopher Plato, true beauty lies in geometric form. Himmelis echo this concept, with the octahedron – one of Plato’s five fundamental shapes – at their heart. Visitors to The Healing Power of Himmeli will be able to witness Koski’s artistry live during the opening weekend, as the largest piece in the exhibition is too large to fit through the doors and needs to be constructed on site.
“I’m eagerly awaiting the opportunity to immerse myself in the unique environment of the sanatorium to finish my largest himmeli and hang the exhibition,” says Koski.
EIJA KOSKI: THE HEALING POWER OF HIMMELI
23.11.–15.12.2024
Open Wed–Sun 10AM–6PM
The exhibition opens on Saturday, November 23, with an interview at 2PM with Eija Koski on her her personal experiences on the healing power of the himmeli. A warm welcome!