Garden of Heavenly Delights exhibition by Tero Kuitunen and Sanna Suova

The joint exhibition Garden of Heavenly Delights by illustrator Sanna Suova and designer-ceramic artist Tero Kuitunen explores the significance of working with hands as a counterbalance to the hectic world. The exhibition will be displayed at Luonnos from October 11 to November 24, 2024.

The exhibition features Kuitunen’s ceramics and Suova’s Risograph printed publication Garden of Delights. These two designer-artists’ works are united by their curiosity about the human relationship with nature, intimacy, and non-human beings.

Kuitunen and Suova take a material-driven approach, using their hands and observing various environments—both natural and digital. The audience will have the opportunity to explore the creation processes of the works through tools, inspiring objects, and sketches.

Sanna Suova’s Garden of Delights publication draws inspiration from plants, gardens, and the history behind them. In addition to tending her own garden plot, the work has been inspired by the groundbreaking life work of Hildegard of Bingen (1098–1170). The piece is influenced by Bingen’s cosmology—her integration of science, mysticism, and art—and the idea that art can create space for special experiences.

In the exhibition, Suova presents the origins, various stages, and layers of the creation process for her publication Garden of Delights. What was the process of creating a self-published work like? In addition to the publication itself, the exhibition includes Suova’s original drawings, sketches, natural objects, plants, and small notes.

Garden of Delights is Suova’s first publication. The Arts Promotion Centre Finland, Grafia ry, and Kuvittajat ry have supported the work.

Tero Kuitunen delves into the universal icons of the present moment in his works. He draws inspiration from digital platforms, environments, and culture. Influences from pop art bring energy to his pieces, evident in the dynamic movement of colours, shapes, and lines. Alongside contemporary themes and humour, his works display a strong understanding and appreciation for traditional handcrafted design.

In the exhibition, Kuitunen presents new ceramic plates and flower sculptures. Memes, tattoos, and contemporary culture inspire the imagery on the plates. References to texts, icons, and symbols from different eras evoke traditional blue-and-white porcelain or letters written in ink.

Tero Kuitunen (b. 1986) is a Helsinki-based designer and ceramic artist who draws inspiration from the intersections of design and art and unconventional combinations. His work often explores the significance of humour and touch, aiming to create pieces that move and connect with people. His projects often begin with inspiration from materials and colours. Kuitunen works across multiple disciplines within design and art, engaging in spatial design, product design, curation, and his artistic practice. He is a member of both Ornamo and Muu ry.

www.terokuitunen.com

Sanna Hellikki Suova (née Turunen, b. 1985) is a visual artist, illustrator, and graphic designer based in Helsinki. Suova works in the expanded field of printed art, where her love for working with her hands and traditional printing methods are combined. She is a member of Grafia, the Helsinki Artists’ Association, the Association of Finnish Illustrators, and the Association of Finnish Printmakers. 

www.sannahellikki.com

Garden of Heavenly Delights  – Tero Kuitunen ja Sanna Hellikki Suova – 11.10. – 24.11.2024.

You are warmly invited to celebrate the opening of the exhibition on Thursday, October 10th, from 5 to 7 PM at Luonnos.

Special thanks to Cover Story for providing the burgundy shade (025 OSCAR) for our exhibition.

Luonnos – Creative Space by Grafia
Uudenmaankatu 13, Helsinki
Wednesday–Friday, 12–17
Saturday–Sunday, 12–16

– Free admission!–

@luonnostila