14.3. — 6.4.2025

Our development and learning have taken humans into space. Space travelers have often described their experiences of seeing Earth with a phenomenon called the overview effect. It is an emotional experience that occurs when we encounter something vast, which exceeds our usual frame of reference and is difficult for us to comprehend. Seeing Earth from space is the ultimate perspective shift, forcing a person to move their attention away from themselves and towards things that matter to the planet as a whole.

I rely on my imagination when it comes to traveling to space. However, I am able to experience deep compassion for this living and breathing planet from Earth. Perhaps this is influenced by living in the midst of nature, planting trees and tending bees. But also by the awareness of how we treat the Earth, which we so desperately want to own and reshape to our liking, regardless of the means.

The Shape of Five consists of five geometric shapes. Through these shapes, reference has been made in history to the five classical elements that are significant for life on Earth: fire, earth, water, air, and ether. The fifth element, ether, was defined as something undefined until the universe became relative. In this context, ether takes form as a space that, by its size, can encompass the other shapes within itself. By doing so, the entirety becomes the shape of five.

For my works I have chosen four classical sculptural materials, as well as materials that currently belong to the sculptural material selection. Since I work in sculpture, such a dialogue between materials and the sculptor is natural and desirable. I also feel that this combination of geometric shapes and materials leads thoughts to everything that we hold in our hands: form, space, time, materials, and perceptions.

The exhibition has been supported by the Finnish Cultural Foundation and the Arts Promotion Centre.

www.ilmarigryta.com

Ilmari Gryta (born in 1979) is a sculptor who employs various materials and techniques. He graduated with a Master’s in Fine Arts from the Academy of Fine Arts, University of the Arts Helsinki in 2008. Since graduating, he has held solo exhibitions in galleries and museums, and participated in numerous group and collective exhibitions. Gryta’s works can be found in the collections of the Finnish State, Kiasma, and the Jenny and Antti Wihuri Foundation. In addition to exhibitions, he has also realised public artworks, with his latest series Aurinko ja Kuu (Sun and Moon), completed in 2022 for the Tervakoski Health Center.