The exhibition “Veen emäntä” presents the story behind Marja Hepo-aho’s brand named Mafka, which combines Finnish Kalevala and Ukrainian folklore. Both Ukrainian ‘Mavka’ and Finnish ‘Vellamo’ are mysterious creatures living in water. The theme of mythical water has followed Hepo-aho’s art through her career.
You are warmly welcome to visit the gallery & get an introduction to the artwork by the artist herself:
The artist meetings are held on Saturday the 7th of November at 11-16 and on Thursday the 29th of November at 11-18.
Free entry to the artist meetings. No need to sign up in advance, feel free to drop by!
The artwork by Hepo-aho studies the beauty of the transient moments. Momentariness and transiency are the base of the circle of life. Even the master of material or goddess of water can’t control time: Waves move, clouds rain down and after waiving these it all starts from beginning again. This theme you can especially see in The Strange beach artworks.
The Strange beach artwork is formed by several small sized pieces combining glass with golden decorations and little treasures from nature. Findings like stones, pieces of wood, tiny bird skulls and cones transform into an art in the hands of the glass artist. Final pieces are intriguing, remainings of somethings are now filled and new again. The artwork looks timeless and restful, yet fragile and reminds us of momentariness.
Many of the gallery visitors are already familiar with The Finally together artworks that combine glass and natural stones. Now those series are complemented by new series of The Ice boulders light artwork. There are three unique pieces at the exhibition. Each one has a beautiful, frosted surface and mysterious glow inside. The base of the artwork is solid glass and although the glow seems to be in the bottom of the piece, the led light is actually attached to the stone lid.
The molten material, optics of the solid glass and transparency all remind water and ice. Glassblower-artist masters her material like a goddess of water. The challenging art of glassblowing and success in a predominantly male field demand strong will and attitude from a young woman.
The glass and stone combinations are also made by order. The customer can bring their own stone to the glass studio and have a unique piece made. Below you can see a video from the Glass studio Mafka&Alakoski from Riihimäki.
Marja Hepo-aho: Veen emäntä
1.11.-29.11.2018
Artist meetings on Saturday the 17th of November at 11-16 and on Thursday the 29th of November at 11-18.
Free entry, welcome!
Galleria Mafka&Alakoski
Iso Roobertinkatu 19,
00120 Helsinki
Cover photo & video by Juhamatti Vahdersalo