Art Exhibition: Tiina Laasonen: I Know a Tree that Grew Up

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 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. Large wooden strips, knits and beads symbolize continuity in the chain of generations and time.

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.

Tiina Laasonen (b. 1968 Kauhava) lives and works in Seinäjoki. She has worked as an environmental artist and created several public works. Laasonen's work combines traditional craftsmanship and woodworking techniques with contemporary sculpture.