Anni Maajärvi. LAB University of Applied Sciences. New Talent Award Nominee 2023

Name of graduation student: Anni Maajärvi
Name of guiding teachers: Timo Tähkänen, Jenni Sokura

Nominated by LAB University of Applied Sciences, Lappeenranta, Finland

'Finns' have many words for snow and cold. Describing the winter season as a sensation on the skin - how can you convey it to someone else? The transformation of a familiar, folk tradition into a further form of jewelry art through art textiles was the aim of Anni's thesis.
'Ryijy' is a type of a woven Finnish tapestry usually hanging nowadays on the wall as a decoration. In Anni's works, the ryijy (rya) has passed from wall to body. The exploration of the technique gave her tools to find her own way to deal with the rya and at the same time a new way of expression. Just by looking at the images one can get the cold shivers.
/Jenni Sokura, lecturer


Summary of the Thesis:
The thesis dealt with the application of Finnish modern rya art to contemporary art.
The starting point of the project was the personal interest towards the traditional technique and materials. The theme was chosen also for the appreciation for craftsmanship that is passed on from generation to generation. In the theoretical part, the tradition of ryas, hand sewing technique and the development of rya art in the 20th century were explored, as
well as the visual features of modern rya art.

The statement of the artist:
The aim of the artistic part was to blur the boundaries between crafts and contemporary art by combining rya sewing technique and jewellery art. Two weather phenomena that are felt in the human body were chosen as the theme of the art pieces. Linen, wool, cotton, and silver were selected as materials. Traditional hand sewing, machine sewing, and metalworking techniques were used. Previous knowledge of the materials played a significant role in the making.

This intuitive process led to the creation of two upper body artworks. The choice of materials and the way they are used support the artistic theme. Different textures and colours create a feel of movement of the surrounding weather. Also the contrast between hard and soft materials increases the range of feelings in the body.

'The Embrace of The Cold' represents a wintery cold wind which can be felt easily in the human body. It is a strong feeling that makes the upper body tense. The shape of the piece expresses the swirling and even piercing movement of the freezing wind. The sensitive linen yarn still reminds of the beauty of the white winter. When wearing this piece one can’t ignore it, it makes one very aware of it, as the surrounding coldness.

'The Feel of The Grey' represents the human mind set when it’s raining sleet. The feeling is grey and heavy. The wet snow runs down on the skin and clothes. The piece's shape and materials express this downward movement and the cold wet feeling on the back of the neck. Still there is some warmth and softness of the wool, like a cosy pullover.

These art pieces extend the concept of rya, as their state of being is moving rather than static, and touching the body rather than being seen only. They arouse a human curiosity to touch and to know how it feels to wear them. Through the process, a new sewing technique and a style of expression were found. Variation of technique through the use of different materials allows a new way of approaching the relationship between craftsmanship and contemporary art.

Contact:
E-mail: anni.maajarvi@gmail.com
Instagram: @annimaajarvi.art

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