Astri Laitinen

5. – 22.9.2024  

Welcome to the opening on September 4th, from 17–19!

The title of this exhibition comes from an article about martagon lilies.* The species takes up to seven years from sowing to blooming in the Finnish climate. In the article, the writer is describing how they do not remember the past years when there is a blooming meadow of martagon lilies in the backyard.

I am interested in durational processes. The author seems dedicated to them, too. I want to experience all the phases of processes (both active and rest), and the garden is a place where multiple durational events are happening all the time.

I have been enjoying the sandy and powdery texture of dry pastels on handmade papers. It reminds me of the earthy feeling of having my hands in the soil. With dry pastels I’ve made careful observations of moments in the garden, and plants from elsewhere. Some of the colours are made from flowers growing in the garden, and some fibers in the papers are collected from there, too.

The initial stages of this exhibition were influenced by the long-term collaboration and conversations with Noora Sandgren about permaculture and art-making. The exhibition has glimpses from this co-working, and will be followed by Noora’s exhibition at Maa-Tila in 2025.

*Kahila, P. n.d. Monimuotoinen varjolilja. Maatiainen ry, [maatiainen.fi]. Viitattu 18.8.2024. https://www.maatiainen.fi/tekstit/varjolilja_monimuotoinen.htm

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In 2024, Maa-Tila is supported by the Finnish Cultural Foundation and the Finnish Heritage Agency.