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What happens when an artist’s fantasy becomes reality? This was my alternative to the ubiquity of commercial images in the cityscape.
What happens when an artist’s fantasy becomes reality? Our dreamlike visions took over Helsinki, Finland, during the Design Week.
Studies show that art has a positive impact on well-being, yet only a small percentage of people go to museums and galleries. As a result, I came up with the idea of an exhibition inspired by guerrilla marketing and organized it together with the G-REX artist collective that I am part of. We brought art, and more importantly joy, to where people are – the streets and the parks. There were psychedelic disco worms crawling on the ground and a pink monkey lazing in a tree. “Look, there’s another one!” was heard as excited kids ran to the next piece. “This should be here everyday” a woman walking her dog noted as we went about hanging our artwork in Koulupuistikko park in the centre of the city.
We also painted electricity boxes in the vicinity of this exhibition in collaboration with Helen (Helsinki’s electricity network). Mural art keeps the environment tidier as taggers usually respect the paintings. More importantly, cheerful illustrations make people smile. “I’m so happy that the monkeys are here again!” a delighted passer by stated as I was painting an electricity box after the exhibition. After all, the greatest thing about street art is the opportunity it offers for unexpected discoveries in the familiar places.
Kamppi-Eira magazine published an article about my painting and our exhibition.
“Admiring this work of art since it has been painted there. Though I see it every day, it never stops fascinating me.”
► elina.holley@me.com, +358445552457