SOMMARSTILLEBEN
LOKAL GALLERY’S SUMMER EXHIBITION IN BILLNÄS
15.6.–24.8.2025
Thursday–Sunday 11–18
Ruukintie 8, 10330 Billnäs
This summer, Lokal makes an all-summer-long expedition to Billnäs, an old ironworks village to the West of Helsinki. Bringing beauty in the form of artwork, crafts and handmade homeware into a space which still starkly echoes its unique history, the Sommarstilleben exhibition is a celebration of Lokal’s core values. The still lifes are an ode to the magical, fleeting nature of the Nordic summer. The abundance consists of works in various mediums and materials, in varying scale and subject, by a number of Finnish and Finland-based contemporary artists and artisans. The exhibition is curated by Katja Hagelstam, and the exhibition architecture is by Hanni Koroma.
Artists and Makers:
Tiia Anttila, Jaea Chang, Antrei Hartikainen, Katy Hertell, Heli Hiltunen, Sasha Huber, Pasi Karjula, Paula Kasu, Réka Király, Inka Kivalo, Hanna-Kaisa Korolainen, Eija Koski, Nathalie Lautenbacher, Linda Linko, Jan Lütjohann, Jonas Lutz, Outi Martikainen, Akiko Mori, Santtu Mustonen, Naoto Niidome, Didi NG Wing Yin, Henna Nuutinen, Rasmus Palmgren, Paula Pääkkönen, Carlo Raymann, Anna Rikkinen, Kati Ruohomäki, Petri Saarikko, Renata Schirm, Kim Simonsson, Janna Syvänoja, Heli Tuori-Luutonen, Milla Vaahtera, Teija Vartiainen, Sini Villi
+ Vaarnii
Collection of work
for
COS Oxford Street in London curated by Studio Ashby
This summer, COS launches its collaboration with London-based interior design studio, Studio Ashby, unveiling a curated selection of artworks by women artists from around the world. Displayed in reimagined store environments on Regent Street in London, Rue Tronchet in Paris and a recently opened location on Aleksanterinkatu in Helsinki, the initiative reinforces the brand’s deep-rooted connection to modern culture – a consistent source of inspiration.
In London, Finnish artist Milla Vaahtera presents a striking lighting installation that fuses bold glass forms with delicate brass, reinterpreting heritage craft techniques with a modern sensibility.
Glassblowing by Paula Pääkkösen, Kaappo Lähdesmäki, Samuli Parkkinen, Jasmiina Lehtomaa & Sani Lappalainen
Assist Eveliina Saarentaus & Julia Töyrylä
Photos Julia Töyrylä
In collaboration with Galerie Philia
Serifs & Jellybeans
Lokal Helsinki
4.4. – 24.5.2025
LOKAL GALLERY
ANNANKATU 9
00120 HELSINKI
TOGETHER WITH LINDA LINKO
The works in Linda Linko’s and Milla Vaahtera’s exhibition form a common perspective on making art – through joy and a deep exploration of forms. Their work is united by a striving for optimism, without forgetting sensitivity. Both also perceive colours and shapes in the same way as typography.
“We see the foot, the ends, the curve, the gravity and the relations – the positive and negative space. Eventually, the boundaries between typography, landscape painting, portraiture and glass sculpture fade awaym, as long as you look closely enough.”
LOKAL GALLERY
ANNANKATU 9
00120 HELSINKI
TOGETHER WITH LINDA LINKO
The works in Linda Linko’s and Milla Vaahtera’s exhibition form a common perspective on making art – through joy and a deep exploration of forms. Their work is united by a striving for optimism, without forgetting sensitivity. Both also perceive colours and shapes in the same way as typography.
“We see the foot, the ends, the curve, the gravity and the relations – the positive and negative space. Eventually, the boundaries between typography, landscape painting, portraiture and glass sculpture fade awaym, as long as you look closely enough.”
Photos Julia Töyrylä & LOKAL
Factory 2:
Correspondences
조응
CORRESPONDENCES
GROUP EXHIBITION
28.11.–31.12.2024
FACTORY2
SEOUL
The works of five Korean and Finnish artists, who work by hand using different natural materials, correspond as if they are exchanging handwritten letters. It creates a temporary ”commune” where diverse elements such as people and objects from here and there, light and colour of time and space converge and leave a lasting impression. This exhibition, Correspondences, is a collaborative project between Factory2 in Seoul, Korea, and LOKAL in Helsinki, Finland. Factory2 has always sought to expand the boundaries of visual arts through a craft-based approach, uncovering creators who take slightly unconventional paths in their craft. By weaving stories within diverse contexts, the gallery introduces distinctive works that transcend traditional notions of craft and technique, forging meaningful connections with the present moment.
Presenting the following artists and creators:
Kyungwon Baek, Jungmo Yang, Sukyung Chung, Seungean Cha, Myungah Hyon, Antrei Hartikainen, Hanni Koroma, Heli Tuori-Luutonen Milla Vaahtera, Nathalie Lautenbacher
Photos LOKAL
Jälkikasvu
Kalevala Flagship Store,
Helsinki
AUTUMN / WINTER 2024 - 2025
KALEVALA FLAGSHIP STORE
KESKUSKATU 3, 00100 HELSINKI
TOGETHER WITH YATOFU & KALEVALA KORU
Jälkikasvu exhibition ( Offspring) presents 9 brass and glass works. Vaahtera is the daughter of goldsmith Juha Vaahtera and silversmith Kirsi Kokkonen, both of whom have worked at Kalevala Koru. The glass parts of the exhibition works are created in collaboration with the glassblowers from Nuutajärvi. Vaahtera works with brass in the workshop inherited from her parents. In the brass work, Vaahtera strives for expression instead of technicality, like a daughter's rebellion against the time of skilled parents. In Finland, there is a new broader flourishing of arts and crafts, where sculptural and unique works shine. Vaahtera's works with tool marks are also part of this phenomenon. "I want to create spatial jewelry, like poems of space." Vaahtera describes.
Given Kalevala’s frequent collaborations with designers and artists, it was a natural extension to also design the space as a gallery for rotating exhibitions. This approach allows the brand to share and promote the work of other artists and craftspeople, in keeping with their ethos of creative collaboration. The most recent installation showcases the work of artist Milla Vaahtera, with her brass and colored glass mobiles and stabiles adding a captivating dimension to the space.
KALEVALA FLAGSHIP STORE
KESKUSKATU 3, 00100 HELSINKI
TOGETHER WITH YATOFU & KALEVALA KORU
Jälkikasvu exhibition ( Offspring) presents 9 brass and glass works. Vaahtera is the daughter of goldsmith Juha Vaahtera and silversmith Kirsi Kokkonen, both of whom have worked at Kalevala Koru. The glass parts of the exhibition works are created in collaboration with the glassblowers from Nuutajärvi. Vaahtera works with brass in the workshop inherited from her parents. In the brass work, Vaahtera strives for expression instead of technicality, like a daughter's rebellion against the time of skilled parents. In Finland, there is a new broader flourishing of arts and crafts, where sculptural and unique works shine. Vaahtera's works with tool marks are also part of this phenomenon. "I want to create spatial jewelry, like poems of space." Vaahtera describes.
Given Kalevala’s frequent collaborations with designers and artists, it was a natural extension to also design the space as a gallery for rotating exhibitions. This approach allows the brand to share and promote the work of other artists and craftspeople, in keeping with their ethos of creative collaboration. The most recent installation showcases the work of artist Milla Vaahtera, with her brass and colored glass mobiles and stabiles adding a captivating dimension to the space.
Liekinkantaja
Unique sculpture
Gummerus Prize
TOGETHER WITH GUMMERUS & LOKAL
Gummerus Flame Bearer Award is being presented for the first time. The award is given for a single work that has sold more than 100,000 copies. The unique Flame Bearer sculpture was designed by glass artist Milla Vaahtera. The first Flame Bearer Award goes to author Eeva Kolu, whose debut work “Korkeintaan vähän väsynyt” has sold over 100,000 copies in just over four years.
Gummerus Flame Bearer Award is being presented for the first time. The award is given for a single work that has sold more than 100,000 copies. The unique Flame Bearer sculpture was designed by glass artist Milla Vaahtera. The first Flame Bearer Award goes to author Eeva Kolu, whose debut work “Korkeintaan vähän väsynyt” has sold over 100,000 copies in just over four years.