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SYRIAN SUPERMAN AND OTHER PLATES
10 February 2016, Pepino
Project Container Nationalmuseum Design, Kulturhuset Stadsteatern Stockholm, 11 March - 8 May SYRIAN SUPERMAN AND OTHER CERAMIC PLATES FROM TALAVERA DE LA REINA Riiko Sakkinen's own words about the project: Ever since I moved to the Talavera de la Reina area in central Spain, I had the urge to work with the world famous ceramics of the area. However, it took over ten years before I figured out how to do it. My intention wasn’t to learn the complicated art of pottery, instead, I engaged one of the best ceramics workshops to transform my drawings into ceramic plates. It was fascinating to watch the professionals as they produced my works. When the ceramics are first painted the colors are pale, they reach their full splendor in the kiln. Many artists use anonymous studio assistants or order their canvases from Chinese painting factories. I wanted to do the opposite - I wanted to work with the best craftsmen and not hide the fact that I never touched the brush myself during the process. I made the sketches by cutting and pasting my drawings and printed materials, and during the two month period I visited the workshop twice a week to supervise the work. The traditional Talavera de la Reina plates are decorated with hunting scenes and religiously themed motifs. My scenes come from the global consumer culture, from Latin America to the Middle East, and from the United States to the Far East. I combine local technique with global content. However, Islamic pottery has heavily influenced the Talavera tradition, a knowledge which later spread to Mexico. Tiles painted in Talavera can be found in buildings in France, Japan and the United States. As a result, I find it logical to extend the range of themes in this traditional art form. The series of plates shows how I see the world from my tiny Spanish village.
THE FEAR OF IMPENDING DEATH
01 February 2016, Pepino
Last week I met my doctor and my accountant and as a consequence entered into the midlife crisis, though it’s not supposed to begin before July when I turn 40. I’m happily married, I have two kids, two cars and a big house. My artistic career and economic income are going up. On the other hand, my health is going down. Midlife is significant as a time adults come to realize their own mortality. Freud wrote that during middle age everyone’s thoughts were driven by the fear of impending death. I’m just like everybody else. I don’t want to die.
These are the typical patterns of behaviour in this phase of life: - Abuse of drugs or alcohol - Acquisition of unusual or expensive items such as motorbikes, boats, clothing, sports cars, jewelry, gadgets, tattoos, piercings, etc. - Paying special attention to physical appearance such as covering baldness, wearing youthful designer clothes, etc. - Entering relationships with younger people (whether sexual, professional, parental, etc.) - Placing over-importance (and possibly a psychologically damaging amount) on their children to excel in areas such as sports, arts, or academics
Which one should I choose?
NOTHING TO WRITE VOYAGE ABOUT
25 January 2016, Pepino
When I was younger I loved to travel to install my works and celebrate the openings. Now I'm almost 40 and I like making art maybe more than ever before - but I don't enjoy so much anymore of the being artist, traveling, representing, partying, giving interviews and other things like that. I'm happy at the studio with my daily routine. I'm preparing a small solo show at the Project Container of the Nationalmuseum in Stockholm. The museum professionals will install the works according to my plans. Maybe it sounds strange, but I prefer not to travel to Sweden just for the opening reception. I think the presence of my work is enough. I prefer to work at the studio and not lose several days at airports and in hotels. The life is short and I have more important things to do than attending cocktail parties. 26 January 2016. I booked flights to Stockholm. I got a feeling that I have to see my own show.
PORKY PANCAKES
15 January 2016, Pepino
TSIF. Thank Socialists It's Friday. The first workweek after the too long birthday fiesta season of Jesus of Nazareth is over. Tomorrow I've promised to prepare pancakes for breakfast. The first work of the year, finished today, features Porky Pig binge eating pancakes. I learned that pancakes mean also face sitting, flat chested female, homosexual male and crack cocaine. I bought tow bags of Mary lee Tortitas Americanas Buttermilk Complete Pancake Mix. You just need to add water. They are made in USA. Actually I made also a smaller drawing too with Porky and sent it immediately to Raúl, who curates a group show in Puerto Rico (= Rich Port, Spanish). Puerto Rico is a US territory, something like free associated state. My drawing says Puerco Riiko (= Rich Pig, Spanish).
NEXT LEVEL
05 January 2016, Pepino
This is going to be exciting year. I'm painting better than ever and I´m moving to the next level in my career. I've never had a solo show in a museum outside of Finland but this year it's going to be a double shot. In March I show my series of Talavera ceramic plates at Nationalmuseum in Stockholm and in November The ABC of Capitalism opens at Bury Art Museum, Greater Manchester. Happy New Year!
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