Vuolas — Swift – Exhibition by Maija Toropainen

This year, spring did not come with hope and fragrant flowers but with all-destroying war.

I have an old slave song or gospel tune Down by the Riverside playing in my ears. In it, the soldier, tired of the battle, wants to lower his burden, lay down his shield and stop the warfare.

I'm gonna lay down my burden
Down by the riverside…
I'm gonna lay down my burden
Down by the riverside
I'm gonna study war no more…

The river flows swiftly, renewing itself all the time. The stones are ground and the edges are rounded by the force of the water. Wooden blocks imitating the shape of a boat float in the water.

A city dweller carries pockets full of wild flower seeds, sprinkling them on her walking path. Rebellion should be constructive. I support passive resistance and endless negotiations.

Welcome to the opening night on Wed 3 Aug at 17–18.

Maija Toropainen is a painter and visual artist from Helsinki. She has held annual solo exhibitions and participated in group and joint exhibitions in Finland and abroad.

Thanks to Kökars Gästateljé and the Art Promotion Center for supporting the artist's work.

Free entry!