Anu Halmesmaa: The Formula of Immortality
In Anu Halmesmaa‘s exhibition The Formula of Immortality, corporeality and vegetation blend together, reflecting the connection and transformation between humans and nature.
Through her work, Halmesmaa seeks to bridge the gap between humanity and nature in the hopes of also understanding her own existence and transience. The theme – nature’s cycle – invites audiences to contemplate their own relationship with life and death. The Formula of Immortality does not offer definitive answers, but gives space for reflection and insights as well as the opportunity to simply enjoy the vibrant colours and lively forms of the works.
Halmesmaa’s main medium is medium-density fibreboard (MDF) that she uses to create different shapes with a compass saw. Then she paints these shapes with alkyd paint and grinds them to create a glossy finish to emphasize the mirror-like effect. In ceramics, she works using her own technique in which clay is not burned but treated with various shiny paints as well as chromium and resin.
The guiding idea of the exhibition series at WAM Kilta Gallery is to invite a writer or an author from outside the field of visual arts to work with each artist and write a text based on the theme and works of the exhibition, which will then become a part of the exhibition. The text in Anu Halmesmaa’s exhibition was written by author, teacher and literature editor Silvia Hosseini.
The exhibition is curated by Jonni Saloluoma at the Turku City Art Museum. The exhibition is supported by the Finnish Heritage Agency.
WAM Kilta Gallery
While the renovation and extension of WAM’s museum building are underway, the museum’s exhibitions can be seen at Kilta Gallery in Art House Turku.
Visit
The artist
Turku-based artist Anu Halmesmaa (b. 1981) works in sculpture, printmaking, painting and installation. Halmesmaa graduated from the Turku School of Drawing in 2006 and from the Helsinki Academy of Fine Arts with a Master of Fine Arts in 2010.
WAM Kilta Galleria workshop
- Wall art with pouring technique on 11–12 June at 16:30–18:00
- Mosaic wall art on 17–18 June at 16:30–18:00
- Gypsum sculpture wall art on 24–25 June at 16:30–18:00
- Open art workshops
Reliefs made of craft foam on the Night of the Arts on 14 August from 18:00 to 22:00
Collage workshop on 23–24 August at 12:00–15:00
Drawing and marbling workshop 30–31 August at 12:00–15:00
More information and registrations at wam.fi.
No prior registrations needed for the open art workshops.
