Kattebel // Kissankello by Helmi Nieminen & Milou van Vlijmen

The exhibition Kattebel // Kissankello reflects the long-standing collaboration and friendship between Helmi Nieminen (1997, Helsinki) and Milou van Vlijmen (1984, Amsterdam). 

For Maa Tila they’ve developed an installation starring one dragon, two apples, a cat choir, three bells, some vine-like creatures and a collection of words and images shaped into a poem and a zine.

Kattebel // Kissankello grew from their shared interest in objects and characters that reflect human qualities. 

Helmi created large soft sculptures made from recycled fabrics and materials, employing a patchwork-like technique. Milou developed the second part of a trilogy loosely inspired by The Cat, a fairytale by Marie-Louise von Franz, in which a woman transforms into a cat and must complete a series of tasks to integrate her feline self before returning to human form. This narrative served as the starting point for a sonic encounter that explores cat-like human sounds – hissing, meowing, purring, and growling.

Throughout the process of assembling the exhibition, the artists created a zine containing short stories, drawings, and email conversations, offering a glimpse into the ideas and exchanges behind the work.

Maa-Tila

29.4.-18.5.2025

Wed-Fri 14.00-18.00

Sat-Sun 13.00-17.00

Free entry