20 years of design projects by Tikkurila and sculptor Antero Toikka

Early in the year 2011, the results of many years of design cooperation between Tikkurila and the sculptor Antero Toikka were displayed at Galleria Sculptor in Helsinki. In many of the works seen at the exhibition, titled Day and Night, the artist used steel treated with Tikkurila industrial coatings. Tikkurila experts supported him in the selection of products and surface treatment solutions.

The extremely popular exhibition described how the artist experiences two different realities, by day and night, and dreaming and awake. Influences from years gone by were brought to bear on this three-year project. Southern light, Spain and natural forms provided the chief inspiration. Materials such as stone, plastic, wood and steel were used. ‘The works’ variation between a matt and gloss finish creates a sensual reaction in viewers,’ comments Mr Toikka.

Antero Toikka, sculptor, artist and environmental artist, premiered in 1976 and has since had numerous exhibitions of his own, participating in group exhibitions and festivals both in Finland and abroad. His art is included in the collections of several Finnish museums, including the Amos Anderson Art Museum, Kiasma, the Museum of Contemporary Art, and those of many companies and institutions. A number of his public works of art are located outdoors.

Antero Toikka by In the Park, painted red with Temadur.

Antero Toikka began painting his sculptures in search of a ‘more poised expression’. He seeks to play with forms and colours – in this, painting provides a myriad of possibilities. Appropriately designed lighting, particularly indoors, provides an additional effect.

Tikkurila and Toikka design projects go back to the early 1990s, when a steel Himmeli (‘straw mobile’), weighing 2,000 kilos, toured various locations in Helsinki. In the end, it was installed in the playing field of the Puotila suburb. Cooperation continued in the 2000s with sculptures for the City of Helsinki’s Winter Garden. In 2004, the massive steel sculpture Tempus rubrum was unveiled by the entrance of Tikkurila Oyj’s headquarters in Vantaa, Finland.

TEXT: ARJA SCHADEWITZ

PHOTOS: OLLI RUHANEN

Evergreen will remain green forever thanks to Temadur.

Continent is treated with Diccoplast and Harmony.

For further information, see:

www.toikka.ws
www.artists.fi/sculptors

retur til overskrifter