Lux In

Event Introduction

The fifth Lux In light art exhibition brings a diverse range of light art to the Cable Factory cultural centre on a gallery scale. The exhibition is presented in co-operation with the Lighting Design Master’s Degree Programme of the Uniarts Helsinki.

Curator: Mia Kivinen

Lux In works:

Pinja Kokkonen: Ultimate ensemble

The artwork approaches the concept of alternative realities. It combines two elements traditionally seen in vastly different contexts: an LED strip and a crystal chandelier. The piece invites viewers to reconsider aesthetic norms from an alternative perspective.

The work was inspired by an LED strip carelessly draped above a remote entrance. It belonged there, just as a crystal chandelier belongs in an opulent apartment. In another context, they might belong together. Together, they form an entity—a glitch in the mundane environment, a portal to an alternative reality.

The title Ultimate ensemble refers to Max Tegmark’s theory of the Ultimate Ensemble, which suggests that the universe is a mathematical structure, and all mathematical structures exist as physical realities. Our observed universe is merely one part of this infinite set—the ultimate ensemble.

Pinja Kokkonen is a Helsinki-based lighting designer and artist who works in theater, dance, visual art, and music using light and video as her mediums. Her work explores themes of softness and playfulness in the context of light. Kokkonen’s creations often embody a delicate and organic aesthetic quality. She is fascinated by optical phenomena, illusions, errors, visual glitches, and elements that disrupt continuities and conventions.

Iia Walavaara: Kolmantena yönä täysikuun jälkeen

In this artwork I’ve been inspired by the supernatural and the mythical, which has been a natural part of the world in our childhood. Forests and lakes, old buildings and ruins are places where an invisible layer of that something is palpably close to us. The artwork explores this elusive reality that escapes our reach by a whisker.  

A creature, a figure, a thing wanders in a forest of yarn. The creature is unpredictable, secretive. We are not entirely sure what it is doing, whether it is threatening or friendly. At least it seems to enjoy the game.

I try to capture a feeling that lives strong in me when I remember the stories of my childhood about a witch moving through a foggy field or the red eyes shining over the forest. Nowadays, I get the same feeling when I look at illustrations by John Bauer or of the book Mestaritontun seikkailut (illus. Onni Mansnerus).

Iia Walavaara is a Helsinki-based lighting designer and artist currently pursuing a master’s degree in lighting design at the University of the Arts Helsinki. She works with light and visuals in performing arts. Her works are characterized by a curious gaze, skewed perspectives, and playfulness, which she believes is the foundation of many good things.

Erno Seppälä: Vieras vuosien takaa I / Vieras vuosien takaa II

The dodo was a large flightless bird that lived on the island of Mauritius. Europeans discovered the island in the 1500s and began to settle there. Within just 170 years, the dodo was wiped out and driven to extinction due to humans.

The dodo is a familiar figure in both name and appearance. In popular culture, it has become a prominent symbol of biodiversity loss and extinction.

This two-part work examines humanity’s relationship with nature, extinction of species, and built environments through the lens of the dodo. The dodo—a sympathetic yet sorrowful stranger—acts as a frame to these landscapes. When placed in urban settings, the dodo assumes a new, almost absurd context, inviting reflection on themes of relocation and transience. The ceramic dodo figure in the piece is an authentic souvenir from Mauritius.

Erno Seppälä is a Helsinki-based visual designer and artist who works extensively in the field of performing arts. He graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in lighting design from the University of the Arts Helsinki in 2023. His work explores human-machine interaction, non-spaces, and site- and time-based approaches. For Seppälä, creating visually compelling works that reveal the essence of place and time is paramount.

Aju Jurvanen: Solidus/

Solidus/ is a study of water, light, mirrors and sound. In the work, a line made of light changes its path. Light reflects and refracts due to the influence of water and mirrors. The solidus is used in typography to indicate an alternative. Solidus/ explores shifts in reality through the physical properties of light.

Aju Jurvanen is a light artist and lighting designer. They are interested in queerness, softness and identity. As a light artist, Jurvanen emphasizes a material-driven approach. They aim to explore the intersection of art and science and to expand the role of lighting in dramaturgy. Curiosity and presence are central to Jurvanen’s artistic practice.

Performances they have been creating have been seen in festivals like Baltic Circle Festival and URB Festival. At the moment Jurvanen is finishing their Master’s Degree in Lighting Design at Uniarts Helsinki Theatre Academy.

Elli Kujansuu: Sopeva

Sopeva is a flash from the past and an exploration into memories and experiences of growing up as a queer kid in early 2000’s Southern Ostrobothnia. One’s identity was a delicate secret that had to be protected. Comments dawning from hate and a lack of understanding came too close and forced to hide to protect the heart. The model of an anatomical heart built by light depicts the inherent diversity of sexual orientation. The heart also reflects the trust that gets broken if the secret is revealed.

Elli Maria Kujansuu, originally from Southern Ostrobothnia, is a Helsinki-based lighting designer and scenographer. She is currently active in performing arts as a designer. An important part of Kujansuu’s work is creating pieces together with the entire workgroup. The main characteristics of her work include strong uses of color, contrasts and perception-based aesthetics. Kujansuu is also an enthusiastic member of several organizations and especially interested in culture politics.

Siri Haapanen: Juurehine

Juurehine (Made of Roots) examines Karelian heritage and the artist’s roots in Border Karelia. The work combines Karelian imagery, symbolism, and traditional embroidery to tell the story of a “forgotten land,” whose memories begin to fade unless future generations carry them forward.

Siri Haapanen is a lighting designer and artist based in Helsinki and Porvoo. Her work explores her role as an artist within communities, environments, and society. Central to her practice is finding socially and ecologically sustainable ways of working.

Antti Kulmala: Olio

Olio is an installation that explores the relationships between matter, digitalization, immaterial light, and movement. The work addresses randomness and the symbolism of light. It examines the transformation of matter into light and introduces an entity floating in darkness like an independent being. Contrasts between light and invisible light open gateways to unknown worlds where light serves as a storyteller.

Antti Kulmala started his artistic career as a performing circus and fire artist, touring the world with various circus companies. Since the beginning, he has been interested in a multi-artistic approach and holistic impact.  His installations often incorporate elements from his circus background, such as dynamics, rhythm and the choreography of the whole. Movement and sound add depth to his light works and are central to his artistic expression.

Pinja Juhola: Tulisijalla

The work tells multiple stories of ancient Finnish beliefs. The anthropomorphic animal figures in the work refer to animistic faith, and the stars on the tent’s ceiling symbolize the structure of the cosmos. The hearth contains stories of spirits and guardians.

Pinja Juhola: Provokatör

At some point, everyone visiting galleries, exhibitions, and museums has likely thought or heard someone say, “I could have made that.” This work examines the boundaries of contemporary art, its reception, and its creation. It is the result of the artist’s thought process, but does it tell only the end and leave the journey untold? How much can be made of a small bundle of Christmas lights?

Pinja Juhola is a Helsinki-based photographer and lighting designer. Juhola aims for accessibility, strong illustration and storytelling in her works, which has the potential to transport the viewer to another world. Juhola has been interested in stories since childhood, and based on this, her interest extends to history and different cultures. Interested in cultures, Juhola aspires to work in international environments. Juhola likes to keep her work fun, bold and inventive.

Ilkka Paloniemi: AC AIR

NB: the work is located at the Glass courtyard
AC AIR is a neon sign inspired by Americana and its traditional motel and roadside signs. The cheerful flickering of neon lights conceals a darker, more realistic message that reflects on the tension between nostalgia and the harsh realities of the present day.

The artwork tells a grim story: the warmer the planet becomes, the greater the need for cooling, which paradoxically generates even more heat. This self-inflicted cycle highlights the severity of the climate crisis. The message is clear and urgent, as the consequences of the crisis are becoming increasingly evident in our world.

Ilkka Paloniemi is an artist, curator, and designer who works with light, art, and architecture.

Simo Puintila & Kaisu Savola: Hidden Statements 

Since the 19th century, every era has had its own influential ‘hero designers’ and ‘star architects’ who, through their works and words, have defined the ideals of the built environment. Hidden Statements is a participatory work that allows visitors to explore the quotes of these famous architects and designers. However, when placed under the spotlight, difficult questions emerge between the lines: who gets to decide how and from what perspectives our living environments are designed? Whose voice remains unheard, and which viewpoints remain unexplored?

Simo Puintila has a background in industrial design. He works as a lecturer in the Department of Design at Aalto University and carries out design assignments through his own design office.

Kaisu Savola (PhD) is a design historian and curator. She works as a postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Design at Aalto University.

Other works are also on display at the Cable Factory:
Michal Czinege (SK) – Garden of Death (MUU Helsinki nykytaidekeskus)
Stéphane Marin (FR) – OLYMPhonIC (Turbiinisali)

In co-operation with:

Uniarts Helsinki’s Theatre Academy

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