Art at Helsinki Airport: is it an airplane turbine or an EKG?

The crackling red piece by Hans-Christian Berg invites passengers into the new Art Gallery exhibition at Helsinki Airport, which displays dark-toned visual art by Visa Norros. The exhibition, included in Finavia’s Art Port concept, will open on Thursday, 24 January.

2013-01-24 — /travelprnews.com/ —  The humourous atmosphere of the previous exhibition by Bo Haglund and Kim Simonsson has been replaced by a calm, ascetic atmosphere. The works of art by Visa Norros bring a peaceful moment amid all the hustle and bustle of the airport.

“At first, it may seem that his works are all the same, and that they look empty. But, when you stop for a while to take a good look, you will see differences. The art surprises you. You find your own views and interpretations in them. This is the best aspect in art by Norros, says Anna Forsman from Huippu Concept, who was responsible for the exhibition planning.

Forsman says that the stark atmosphere of the exhibition was already appealing to passengers when it was being set up. An English passenger told us that he very much felt that the exhibition is all about the cold and dark Finnish weather, and that he was overwhelmed by that feeling.

As a counterbalance to the toned-down expression by Norros, visitors enter the exhibition by passing “Light Space Linear Momentum” by Berg. Its shape is based on the rhythms of an EKG. The work of art illustrates the moment when the heart stops beating. The plastic strips of the photogenic piece, built in the form of a jet engine, also look like a red airplane turbine.

“The galleries have been warmly received. Helsinki Airport passengers have been actively photographing the art and design exhibitions and sharing their photos in social media. The feedback has been very positive,” says Ville Haapasaari, Airport Director at Finavia.

The airport still displays Simonsson’s “White Idol” sculpture from the Haglund & Simonsson exhibition, which ended in January. It appealed to a large number of passengers and brought them cheer and happiness. Now the long-eared figure can be spotted in the long-distance flight area near passport control.

Haapasaari is happy because the Art Port concept highlights Finnish art and design, and gives passengers something to pass the time. At the same time, the art exhibitions strengthen Helsinki Airport’s image of being an experience-rich airport that you remember well.

The Norros & Berg exhibition will be open until the end of August. The Art Gallery is at Gate 37. The Helsinki Airport Design Camp exhibition is at Gate 11. Both galleries are open 24/7. Entry is free.

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