10.6.2025
Kunsthalle Seinäjoki’s new exhibition is by Tiina Laasonen. The solo show reflects on the emotional bond associated with trees.
Tiina Laasonen’s works are based on local memories of trees
The sculptor collected tree stories and wood from the Finnish South Ostrobothnia. Tiina Laasonen’s solo exhibition I Know a Tree that Grew Up will take place in the exhibition space Halli of Kunsthalle Seinäjoki. I Know a Tree that Grew Up is a solo exhibition by Tiina Laasonen presenting new works by the Seinäjoki based sculptor. Through her art as well as the process of working Laasonen reflects on the emotional bond associated with trees, the way they connect to our memories, personal histories and identities.
The works in the exhibition are partly made from wood collected through an open call. Local people in Seinäjoki, Lapua and Vaasa donated material for the art works. While collecting the wood material for the art works, the artist took notes on the memories and stories related to it. The stories and memories later became central to the exhibition: they are the subject of the art works as well as the starting point for the formal language of the exhibition.
The artist herself still remembers how she and her mother planted an apple tree in the garden cleared from the dandelion field. Years later, the mother gave Laasonen an apple tree branch cut by a storm, hoping that the branch could be turned into a work of art. In the end, the branch got a new life as Mother’s Apple Tree Branch, an artwork on display in the exhibition.The rough and concrete architecture of Seinäjoki Kunsthalle exhibition space provides a contrasting background for the varying tones of different types of wood, the warmth and tenderness of the material.
Tiina Laasonen
Tiina Laasonen (b. 1968 Kauhava) lives and works in Seinäjoki. Laasonen’s work combines traditional craftsmanship and woodworking techniques with contemporary sculpture. The working process is slow, silent and repeats the same work phase. Large wooden strips, knits and beads symbolize continuity in the chain of generations and time. Laasonen graduated from Kankaanpää Art School as a sculptor in 1993. Laasonen has worked as an environmental artist and created several public works. Her works have been featured in numerous museum and gallery exhibitions in Finland and abroad, and her works belong to many museum and public collections. Laasonen has been awarded the Jaakkoo Cultural Award in 2019, the Ostrobothnia Art Council’s prize in 2017, and the Young Ostrobothnian Artist prize in 1997.
The artist’s work has been supported by the Finnish Cultural Foundation, the South Ostrobothnia Regional Fund, Arts Promotion Centre Finland and The Finnish Heritage Agency.
Opening event
Take a look at the program of the opening event
You are warmly welcome!
More information and inquiries:
Laura Laukkanen
Art Curator
Seinäjoen taidehalli
p. 040 774 8560
laura.laukkanen@seinajoki.fi
