Monthly image: Distances by Anni Hurmila

Anni Hurmila: Distances, acryl on medium density fibreboard, 183,5 cm x 204 cm, 2018

Traditional painting is the most important working method for me. However, I want to expand the presentation of my paintings from the traditional to reflecting on what a painting can be and how it can position itself in a space. Lately my paintings have positioned themselves as installations for example on the floor. I also ponder on ways to do art in a more ecological way or to produce less matter. It is a process that moves on in a slow and fluctuating manner but it is constantly realized in my working at some level.

The pieces of my puzzle-like works can be seen as a human´s need to outline, control and perceive the world.

The pieces of my puzzle-like works can be seen as a human´s need to outline, control and perceive the world. The world is divided into small pieces, which can be territories, borders or an individual´s mental pigeonholes. However, nature does not care about artificial borders but follows its own path. Climate change can alter and stretch these man-marked entities in surprising ways and more than what we are used to. Everybody has to lay out the pieces of one´s life in a new order at some point. The customary is not necessarily permanent. This all also applies to the human mind that tends to perceive by categorizing itself and the others, although in reality borders are artificial and the change inevitable.

The change can be frightening but I feel that sometimes looking from a distance helps in perceiving situations and calming down. My works portray the world as if seen from an aircraft or as a satellite picture. From a distance we can see more clearly our own size and our relation to everything around us.

When painting, colours and the painterly stroke are of importance. I work fast and instinctively, impatiently. I try to find balance between courage, freshness and reflection; it´s a constant challenge when I´m working.

Anni Hurmila was born in 1987 and she graduated from the Degree Programme in Fine Arts in Kankaanpää in spring 2017.

Her work of art Distances has been on display at 54 palaa (54 Pieces) Exhibition at P-Galleria in Pori and Jälkiä (Traces) Scholarship Exhibition at Kankaanpää Fine Arts School in 2018.

www.annihurmila.com