My Widenius

Echoes of Eden

My Widenius’ hand-painted, lush patterns are like eternal gardens, full of flowers, birds and fruits. Deeper tones and meanings can be found in the background of the greenery, just like in nature. The Echoes of Eden exhibition highlights the value of slow and patient, handmade work. Almost all the paintings in the exhibition are also finished pattern reports that could be used to print wallpapers.

People have wanted to decorate their walls with plant and garden motifs since ancient Pompeii. Widenius studies art history at the University of Helsinki and her works carry the echoes of past times, such as 18th-century silk wallpapers that drew their imagery from exotic plants and animals. In Widenius’s works, the decorativeness and symbolism of historical patterns are combined with modern people’s longing for harmony, peace and security.

One of the starting points of the exhibition has been biophilia, which means the importance of connection with nature for human well-being. With her exhibition, Widenius aims to offer a small respite from the noise of everyday life and to highlight the potential of images as creators of a health-promoting atmosphere.

My Widenius (b. 1989) is a Helsinki-based illustrator, visual artist and art history student (HY). In her world, there is no black or white, good or bad. A full life includes both fruits and snakes.

In collaboration with Paperiaarre. Kaija Rantakari’s hand-bound, unique notebooks made of vintage silk are on sale at the gallery throughout the exhibition season.