The idea behind the exhibition BRUSH STROKE of Eero Markuksela derives from the long tradition of ink painting. The paintings and installation tell a story of the unlimited possibilities of black and white material. The premise of his work is East Asian ink painting, which underlies a natural philosophical outlook of nature and the environment as an undifferentiated entity. In this tradition of art, the observation of the environment seeks the environment as an energetic ensemble through bodily awareness. Rather than differentiating between different types of expression like painting and writing, both visual and written can come into being from the same medium.

Eero Markuksela has been creating his East Asian ink painting derivative art project in many forms since 2006. Along the project he’s made seven work trips as well as exhibition trips all around China. Delving into the roots of East Asian art has led Markuksela to the juxtaposition of picture, sign and text. Here he’s found a world likening himself. The tradition of ink painting, which is based on perceiving nature, has informed his position on painting. Markuksela has cultivated a way of working in nature, where one strives for a spontaneous experience with it.

The versatile works of Eero Markuksela is based both on visual and written production. His work entails paintings, painting installations, photographs and published books. Markuksela has published three books, the latest being Kotiinpaluu kirjaillussa silkkiviitassa, Yi jin huan xian, (2020, Basam Books). His books are based on observations and experiences of China – as an artist painting ink paintings as well as a photographing wanderer. In his books parallels are drawn between text and photography. Books published under the art museum of Pori include Oppineen kiinalainen puutarha, Suuri nauru Milo Fon kanssa (2018) and Vertauskuvakellot (2014).