WOLVES AND SHEEP
The Conflict Between Curiosity and Fear
Markku Salo’s 41st solo exhibition explores the wonder of being. He highlights the unique relationship between humans and animals. We think we understand the intentions of animals – we are curious, but at the same time cautious, even afraid.
The largest work in the exhibition stares from the yard of the KWUM museum: a mottled brown, over four-meter-tall Wolf. Should a wolf be feared, respected, killed, or simply left alone? The piece gives the viewer a chance to form their own opinion on the ongoing wolf debate. Salo created the Wolf from burned roofing sheets salvaged from an over 200-year-old barn that was destroyed in a fire at the Nuutajärvi manor.
“I don’t want to take sides on whether the current, expanded wolf situation is good or bad. But it’s certainly something that should be discussed,” Salo says.
Nature is important to him and something he can access daily. On his treks, he has even seen a wolf up close—wolf tracks even more often.
Bronze takes the form of The Agreement—a reflection on the meaning and durability of agreements made by humanity.
And what about the mother dog who whisks her puppy away on a shared escape in “The Lesson”? There’s a need to be free, but it’s not wise to burn all bridges. It’s smart to ensure a way back to the familiar food bowl.
The dog has been one of the themes throughout Markku Salo’s over 40-year career. His unique dog-themed sculptures made from glass and metal bring out the diverse expressive possibilities of glass. They also exemplify artistic techniques developed by Salo himself. “One of the secrets to a long career is being open to new possibilities,” Salo says.
The jury of the Kaj Franck Design Prize (2015) stated: “Markku Salo is known as a technically versatile and artistically strong designer who has deeply explored the possibilities of his material. He has developed several glass technologies. He has gained recognition as a trailblazer in the field of art glass.”
All works in Wolves and Sheep are new, completed during the past year. Salo lives and works in the Nuutajärvi Glass Village, where the works have also been made. Nuutajärvi hosts one of Finland’s largest communities of independent glassmakers and designers. The main materials in the exhibition are glass, bronze, and burned roofing sheet metal.
Artist Markku Salo has worked in Nuutajärvi since 1983. He began his career as a designer for Nuutajärvi Glass. Since 1991, he has worked as an independent artist and designer. Salo exhibits both in Finland and abroad. His works are part of several international collections, including the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, the National Museum in Stockholm, and The Corning Museum of Glass in New York. He has received awards such as the Georg Jensen Prize, the State Prize and the Kai Franck Prize. www.markkusalo.com
Photo: Jefunne Gimpel
