4.2.2021 - 29.5.2021

Päivi Rintaniemi’s solo exhibition presents the latest works of the artist

The fragile yet stable shape of Rintaniemi’s sculptures allows the audience to focus on the plain, physical surface and stopped movement. Clay, which is regarded as an unpretentious material, has a strong will. In Rintaniemi’s hands, thousands of objects, sculptures, surfaces and shapes have been formed from clay over the decades.

“My working methods are very simple and traditional: by hand, using clay and a knife as tools. In some of my works I’ve also used some other materials, such as concrete and wire”, says Päivi Rintaniemi.

Calix is the first solo exhibition of the Hall, which unveils a completely new side of the exhibition space, not yet known to the public. In the exhibition and side program, the background of making art as well as the nature of clay as material will also be unfolded. Through clay, the artist processes the quirks, tragedies and joys of the world.

 “Clay offers an opportunity for meditative work and dialogue. And indeed it also plays its own mystical part in reminding us of past generations”, says Rintaniemi. Clay made up of microscopically small granules is an ancient, historical material. The Latin word calix means chalice.

As an artist, Rintaniemi speaks about things and turning points in life beside her works in words, which the listener finds easy to identify with. Indeed, her exhibitions and works often have names taken from everyday reality. Like a researcher, in her art she reflects on humanity, what we see in others and how we can care about each other by perceiving the simplicity and beauty of things through art.

“My passion is to tell stories about people and the challenges of being a human, in figurers, stylised shapes and abstract forms”, says the artist.

Päivi Rintaniemi has had a successful career as an artist in Finland and abroad. She is particularly known for Amfora, a design company that has been producing table ware and utensils since 1986. She was awarded the State Prize for Design in 2008. In 2013, the artist received the main prize of the International Ceramic Art Museum Premio Faenza °58 in Italy. The people of Seinäjoki are familiar with the Big Hug sculpture, which welcomes newcomers to the residential area of Pruukinranta.

In relation to the exhibition, discussions about making art and its significance will be held. Rintaniemi invites co-thinkers from various areas of art and life to the Kunsthalle. The exhibition, particularly its material – clay – will also be displayed in other places of the Art and Culture Centre Kalevan Navetta. In spring, Taito Etelä-Pohjanmaa ry will organise a special ceramics course in cooperation with the Kunsthalle. Besides, in the Taito Shop Seinäjoki the Amfora pop up store will be opened for the period of the exhibition.