Kurikka Grand Canyon -painting workshop with Petri Ala-Maunus

There are no pictures of the ancient valley of Kurikka, but we do know a few things. There were no people or other animals, no dinosaurs, no trees, plants, moss, or soil. There was granite, sandstone, and water. The valley was surrounded by mountains three kilometers high, of which the ravages of time had already worn away a few kilometers. – Petri Ala-Maunus

Workshop 1: Fri, Nov. 6, 2:30–5:00 p.m.
Tickets:https:/­/­www.netticket.fi/­maalaustyopaja-1-kurikka-grand-canyon-seinajoki
Workshop 2: Fri, Nov. 6, 6:00–8:30 p.m.
Tickets: https:/­/­www.netticket.fi/­maalaustyopaja-1800-2030-kurikka-grand-canyon-seinajoki
Material fee: €12 (includes a canvas and acrylic paints)
Instructor: artist Petri Ala-Maunus

A Journey Back 1.5 Billion Years

This workshop explores deep time and the history of the Earth through creative work. The workshop takes as its starting point the unique geological history of the Kurikka region and the so-called Kurikka Grand Canyon, which has been described as the world’s oldest valley. Participants will have the opportunity to paint their own vision of the ancient world: what kinds of mountains, skies, seas, landscapes, or forms of life might have existed here 1.5 billion years ago.

The workshop instructor, artist Petri Ala-Maunus, has a large-scale landscape painting titled Kurikka Buried Valley on display in The Contamination of Time exhibition at the Kunsthalle Seinäjoki. The painting is an attempt to visualize what the world’s oldest valley looked like 1.5 billion years ago. The work is based on a collaboration between Ala-Maunus and researchers at the Geological Survey of Finland. The work draws on information regarding, among other things, the structure of the region’s bedrock, the colors and textures of the rocks, and other the conditions of a possible life.

The Geological Survey of Finland is mapping and studying the unique deep-water reserves in the Kurikka area in collaboration with the South Ostrobothnia ELY Center. Petri Ala-Maunus is known for his monumental landscape paintings, which are reminiscent of 19th-century Romantic nature scenes. In his works, untouched nature appears majestic, timeless, and free from human traces.
What to Expect

Register through the Netticket service and pay the materials fee in advance. There are 13 spots available in each workshop. No prior painting experience is required. You can come with a friend, family member, or someone else you know and spend a relaxing afternoon painting together! In the workshop, you’ll paint your own vision and interpretation of a primeval landscape under the guidance of artist Petri Ala-Maunus.

The workshop is suitable for all ages. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Participants take their paintings home at the end of the workshop and let them dry. On the same day, the Kalevan Navetta will host an Afterwork Art afternoon featuring art, culture, and culinary experiences. The program includes, among other things, a guided tour Tell Me About the Beginning of Time at The Contamination of Time exhibition with Niko Putkinen, a senior specialist at the Geological Survey of Finland, from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. Admission to the exhibitions at the Kunsthalle Seinäjoki is free on Friday, November 6th, all day.

Artist

Petri Ala-Maunus lives and works in Helsinki. He is known for his large-scale, detailed landscape paintings that depict the grandeur of untouched nature. The works do not depict real places, but rather imaginary landscapes created by the artist, influenced by art history, experiences of nature, and imagery from popular culture.

Ala-Maunus holds a Master of Fine Arts degree from the Academy of Fine Arts, Helsinki University of the Arts. His works have been exhibited at museums including Kiasma, Amos Rex, the Ateneum, and HAM. In 2010, he was awarded the William Thuring Prize by the Finnish Art Society, and in 2019, he was nominated for the Ars Fennica Prize.