Renewal I & II at Art Meets Science in Helsinki

Renewal I and II, Art Meets Science group exhibition, April 2022.

I have always had a general interest in science and scientific development, in particular medical innovation. Various scientific fields have inspired my work throughout my career, such as biology, botany, and pathology. I was thrilled to be included in the Art Meets Science group project and exhibition. Collaboration between the arts and sciences helps develop diverse approaches to scientific understanding and appreciation for the arts.

This project, in cooperation with the Art Meets Science project heads, Professor Marjo Yliperttula, and UPM, was a fascinating learning experience, and, for me, a months-long rumination on the interconnectedness of the natural world and the evolution of medicine.

Renewal I, acrylic paint and gesso on four strips of FibDex material (120 cm x 80 cm), suspended between plexiglas sheets and held in metal frames, Art Meets Science group exhibition, April 2022. (Private collection)

The two paintings, Renewal I & !!, were painted with Golden Fluid Acrylic paint on strips of 120 cm x 20 cm FibDex material.. FibDex is an absorbent, thin material, like paper, and in order to prevent the acrylic paint from acting like washed out watercolour I had to prepare each strip with three layers of acrylic gesso. The gesso ground also help protect the painting from moisture and light.

Renewal II, acrylic paint and gesso on four strips of FibDex material (120 cm x 80 cm), suspended between plexiglas sheets and held in metal frames, Art Meets Science group exhibition, April 2022. (Private collection, on view at Faculty of Pharmacy, Helsinki University)

FibDex is a wood-derived nanofibrillar cellulose material that was developed by a Helsinki University research group lead by Professor Marjo Yliperttula. It is used as a wound dressing for burn injuries and skin grafts. It is applied once to the wound to aid healing and regeneration of skin cells. It maintains optimal moisture balance while protecting the wound site from contamination and infection.

The artist standing in front of her work, looking a bit tired.