Hanna-Kaisa Korolainen

The earlier work of visual artist and researcher Hanna-Kaisa Korolainen (born 1976) reflects influences from art nouveau and the Chinese and Japanese aesthetic, with expression ranging from overabundant decorativeness to unadorned and bare minimalism. Korolainen was inspired by the overall atmosphere of old archive photographs in which interiors had a magical and very soft appearance. Her works in the exhibition have been inspired by the Lokki (Seagull) and Liekki (Flame) ryijy-rugs in the Design Museum collections, and a pot cosy and an embroidered cushion employing a flame theme. In the ryijy, Korolainen was fascinated by its subtle decorativeness, the alternation of filled and empty fields and the recognisable influence of an Asian aesthetic.