Teuvo Tuomivaara – A Cry from the Forest

Teuvo Tuomivaara is a pioneer of working as a professional sculptor in Lapland. His northern birthplace and hometown have strongly influenced his career ever since the 1970s. Forests, fells and bodies of water have left a permanent mark on Tuomivaara’s versatile and voluminous work.
His personal relationship with nature and survival in the harsh landscape are evident in his art.

The works often convey a concern for the state of the environment. “I regret that in my works I haven’t taken more of a stand for protecting the environment. I observe changes in it closely, and they influence my work both consciously and through the subconscious,” Tuomivaara has said. The role of humans in Tuomivaara’s art is to be inquisitive explorers, stubborn survivors and – when describing his adolescent years – even strict and anxious characters.

Tuomivaara is interested in the tales and myths of his ancestors: “I often use forms or references from old stories. My works have recurring elements such as a seita (Sámi sacred place), a fish, a boat, the sun, the moon and the mother tree or tree of life.” Tuomivaara’s works can be seen to include temporal layers, ambiguity and humour:”Humor makes it easier to approach difficult subjects and injustice.”

Tuomivaara uses many diverse materials in his works. He has always lived in the forest, so wood is an obvious choice for material. Tuomivaara has also made several bronze and stone works during his career. Both wood and stone are close to his heart, as they are traditional and durable, ancient natural materials. In addition, Tuomivaara has made use of concrete, ceramics, steel, clay, bone, ice, snow and fire in his art.

Teuvo Tuomivaara (b. 1943) lives and works in Posio. Over the last 50 years, Tuomivaara has been active in arranging solo and group exhibitions, and has taken part in several environmental art events in many different countries. He has created multiple public works of art and his works are featured in collections in Finland and abroad. Tuomivaara has held many confidential posts and has taught sculpture for years on various courses and in several institutions. Tuomivaara is a member of the Association of Finnish Sculptors and the Lappi Artist’s Association. In 2008, Tuomivaara was awarded the National Pension Provision for Artists.

The exhibition has been supported by the Finnish Heritage Agency.