PIRJO TIKKINEN - Strange Art from the Borderlands

Pirjo Tikkinen is a visual artist living and working in Parikkala. In her art, she draws inspiration from nature, the seasons, light phenomena, colors, and their constant changes. From the windows of her studio on the shore of Lake Tyrjänjärvi, she has a view of the lake, with Russia on the opposite shore. As the appearance of the neighboring country changes, so does the sense of place. Her works occasionally capture the "lighthouse keeper's" notes, and her art serves as a representation of its time.

"I started my art hobby in the 1980s while working in healthcare. Initially, I participated in various hobby groups, and as my interest in creating art grew, I decided to study it. I first attended the Saimaa Vocational college to become an art artisan. From there, I continued to the Saimaa University of Applied Sciences to become a visual artist, and as my studies captivated me, I pursued a higher university degree there as well. Studying fine arts was wonderful!"

Greed is a word Pirjo Tikkinen uses to describe the intent of her artistry. Her versatility is evident in Taiko's selection, as her skills and creativity allow for ceramic sculpting, painting, photography, and various experiments without unnecessary restrictions.

"I don't want to stick to one technique; I let the subject determine the working technique used."

“Liminal Space at the Border” - 2022 | Painting | Acrylic - Size: 55 x 100 x 3.5 cm

"I became interested in the concept of liminal space, which in anthropology is defined as a transitional phase, being on the threshold. Liminality is a characteristic of contemporary times, which can appear as chaos, but also as a creative phase of transformation.

A liminal space is a space between transitions, but it cannot be characterized as entirely stable. It is dominated by instability, a mismatch of things. Liminal space can be thought of as habitable and perhaps even permanent, but it always involves a certain restlessness, a sense of placelessness. Liminal space always involves growth and transformation into something new."

Although Pirjo Tikkinen's art reflects the finite nature of the modern world, silence, and the possibilities of continuity, I asked her to share her dreams. Pirjo replied:

"I want to continue working with art far into the future, participating in exhibitions, constantly finding new inspiration from different techniques and their utilization in my work. An artist never truly retires."

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