CIRCLES – KEHÄT
Exhibition was intended to be shown at Black Wall Gallery in Vaasa 1.1.-23.1.2021 , but due to covid-19 it this virtual exhibition was setup to replace it instead. The gallery dimensions are modeled after the physical space and the paintings are to scale with the environment. The background music was composed with help of artifical intelligence using AIVA.. The whole is available as NFT with physical paintings and individual NFTS for the paintings.
inquiries info@mikkolyytinen.com
Circles is a series of four abstract oil paintings, that deals with themes of loss, letting go, new beginnings and new meanings. The paintings form a group of certain kind of archetypes which together create a tacit story arc. Circles continues the lineage of Lyytinen’s previous exhibition Cold Mirror, that was also based heavily on color experience. Behind the works there is a strong spiritual and conceptual dimension, that begins with the process of mixing of the paints from raw pigments, signifying taking ownership of personal experience and its transformation into a shareable healing resource. The name, Circles points to the many cycles of life. The idea for it existed before the spread of coronavirus – which was named after the gas circle surrounding the Sun, but it naturally grew to become part of the meanings. Especially the first work of the series, that is based on my own mourning experience is intended as offering of condolences for all who suffered losses during this pandemic. The following works, Ancient Rower, which draws from celtic mythology and The Foundling, which got its name from the recent popular TV-series The Mandalorian, lead towards inner light in the last piece of the series, King of the Sun. The works were created especially with the black walls of the gallery in mind so the virtual gallery follows suit.
The production of the paintings was supported by Finland Arts Promotion Centre with 4 months working grant. Kauno ry assisted with the materials and organising the exhibition.
Exhibition is dedicated to my father Jouko Lyytinen (1956 – 2019)