Riikka Keränen

Location → Paalikatu 20, Oulu

Riikka Keränen’s upcoming work is a sculptural ensemble consisting of five parts, the materials of which are clay, sand, straw, horse manure, limestone, natural pigments and linseed oil.

The round and curved shapes of the sculptures give hints of the architecture of plants, fungi, stones and animals. Keränen initially builds hollow cylinders and different shapes in her studio. The parts are built from a mass made of clay, sand and straw, and the materials are collected from the surrounding area. Straw and sand can be found in the storage of the Keränen family’s farm, and wild clay from Kainuu is used as material as well. The clay for the work is brought from Mieslahti in Paltamo and Puolanka.

In the spring of 2026, Keränen will assemble the parts of the finished work together on site in Oulu. At the same time, she creates more shapes and details and prepares the surface plaster. Being made of organic and porous materials, the work is exposed to the effects of various natural phenomena, and the work will be maintained once a year in the spring until 2030, after which it will be allowed to develop and settle at its own pace. In the spring, Keränen renews the surface plastering of the work, repairs any damage and adds new color. Over the years, the work transforms and grows, like any organic structure, such as an anthill.