Päivi Rintaniemi: Calix

Kunsthalle Seinäjoki presents Calix by Päivi Rintaniemi, the first solo exhibition to be set in the new exhibition space of the Hall. Originally from Seinäjoki herself, Rintaniemi creates large ceramic vessels with organic, folded, and split forms. In Latin, the word ‘calix’ means chalice. These sculptures are delicate but striking, like cracked shells or chrysalides. In the artist’s hands, thousands of objects, sculptures, surfaces and shapes have been formed from clay with technical and meditative intention over the decades. “Clay offers an opportunity for meditative work and dialogue…Indeed it also plays its own mystical part in reminding us of past generations”.

Clay, which is often regarded as an unpretentious material, has a strong will of its own. Through this material, the artist processes the quirks, tragedies and joys of the world. The fragile yet stable shape of Rintaniemi’s sculptures allows the audience to focus on the textured, tactile surface and organic, suspended movement. Both powerful yet fragile, the artworks stand as natural monuments. Arranged simply upon black plinths throughout the space, they invoke a tacit understanding of scale and form, contrasting with the smaller, more delicate pieces, many of which have not been exhibited often before. 

As an artist, Rintaniemi draws upon everyday realities. Through research and artistic expression, she reflects upon humanity; what we see in others, and how we can care about each other by perceiving the simplicity and beauty of life through art. “My working methods are very simple and traditional: by hand, using clay and a knife as tools. In some of my works I’ve also used some other materials, such as concrete and wire”. This simplicity is emphasised by the stark scenography of the exhibition, which draws attention to the detailed textures