Eveliina Muotkavaara
Eveliina Muotkavaara’s exhibition Surr-rur-mur consists of two parts: printed and hand-sewn works and illustrations from the children’s book Pouke ja meren Pauhu, “Pouke and the Roar of the Sea” (Minikustannus, 2022). The book’s main theme is the state of the sea and living with the consequences of climate change. Muotkavaara’s soft and playful aesthetics depict this serious topic in a comforting way, and the book can inspire people to take care of nature. The book is illustrated using a combination of embroidery and digital drawing.
The playful title of the exhibition Surr-rur-mur combines the sound of a sewing machine with the buzzing of insects and the growling of animals. The two-dimensional sketches drawn in the exhibition come to life when made from physical materials. When placed in the space, stories and imaginary situations begin to form between the expressive figures.
Muotkavaara’s figures feature the repetitive surface characteristic of pattern design and patterns and parts reminiscent of natural elements: One figure has antennae, another has dragonflies in her hair, and a leopard lies on the head of a third. The works are made from recycled or surplus fabrics, hemp and linen, and sewn into shape.
The embroidered illustrations combine beautifully the tactile surface and texture of the fabric, and making by hand. As part of the exhibition, gallery visitors can embroider their own small work from recycled materials.
Eveliina Muotkavaara (b. 1991) is an Oulu-based illustrator, textile artisan and Master of Arts. She is a hands-on creator whose works joyfully combine illustration, embroidery and the dimensions of textiles in different environments. Surr-rur-mur is her first solo show.
