Page 177 - ART NOW Internationally Recognized Artists

is important for success and meaning. Fortunately, Finnish Riitta’s treatment of materials. Some get interested in her
gives us a chance to distinguish between the two. plays on words: in how skilfully humour and truth – both
Riitta is exceptionally adaptable – to put it in researcher’s fun and serious – can interplay. The best-read audience
language, versatile – for example, her use of materials members get the satisfaction of recognizing interdisciplinary
switches from animation to watercolor, from wood to pastels, references in Riitta’s works. Her own well-readness is
from fabric to picture surface. At the same time, her mode evidenced by her numerous books, in which metaphor and
of expression is preserved and has endured throughout the allusion, along with respectful quotation, unfold.
years and decades. Her signature style is clear, and that is Riitta’s works can be read on many levels. At least one of
a feature by which, as I see it, we can always recognize a those levels is accessible to all who see and experience them.
very mature and authentically matured artist. The ability to speak to and give sustenance to everyone is a
On the other hand, Riitta’s art is highly inclusive – each rare one. The comparison with the world of Tove Jansson’s
audience member sees and experiences it in their own way. Moomin books may be overworked, but it is still apt. Jansson’s
On the other hand, Riitta’s art is highly inclusive – each content opens out to children, teenagers and adults in
audience member sees and experiences it in their own way. different ways, and always with new meanings. Riitta achieves
The most swiftly transient, and also the youngest, audience very much the same thing in the realm of visual expression.
members see the works’ fantasy and caricatured figures. Helsinki Music Centre is a perfect stage for Riitta’s works,
Those who stop are intrigued by the technical virtuosity of in which content and structure are always also joined by
music. The grand piano and the hare undergo a visual
 Dogmatic pulp, 2000 woolen relief 75x55x1.2 in. | 190x140x3 cm. metamorphosis. Sound and shape converge, become one.
 Odium refuses vires, 2011 mixed media 39.3x62.9 in. | 100x160 cm. I wish you success and joy.
 Nihil esse certi, 2021 photomontage on plexiglass 31.4x47.2 in. | 80x120 cm. Opening speech by Professor Pekka Mattila, La Scala
 Without too much thinking, 2005 woolen relief 71x94.4 in, | 180x240 cm.
Happiness allowed, 2012 woolen relief 67x40x1.1 ft | 170x1225x3 cm. 
177
art now