Santtu Mustonen: Variants

His sculptures are based on precise outline drawings as well as freely rendered paintings. He captures manipulated three-dimensional textures on the surface of the glass with the help of 3D software and various mould-pressing techniques. Harnessing the natural reflectivity of glass, the dynamic linear textures and painting-inspired patterns add rhythm while also breaking up the coherent form of the sculptures.

All the pieces featured in this exhibition are variations or mutations of each other. The surface textures continue from one piece to the next, forming ensembles. The effect is heightened by animations projected onto the sculptures and a rhythmic soundscape playing in the background.

Mustonen is known primarily for his digital art, but in recent years he has worked mainly in glass. Using light as his tool, and controlling its path, his approach to glass art is highly innovative. Mustonen is a pioneer of new techniques and bold new media who is active in the field of contemporary glass art both nationally and internationally.

Mustonen’s sculptures were created in cooperation with glassblowers at the Iittala glassworks, featuring many of Iittala’s signatures shades such as salmon pink, Rio brown and linen.