Tommi Toija’s sculpture, Ainainen Vappu, delights on Mannerheimintie at Newil & Bau’s 76&Piha

In August 2024, during the grand opening of Newil & Bau’s 76&Piha, a new art piece by one of Finland’s most renowned sculptors, Tommi Toija, will be unveiled. This artwork is not only meant to bring joy to the residents of the new building but is also placed so that passersby can enjoy it as well. Known for his distinctive and humorous sculptures, Toija once again adds a thought-provoking piece to the urban landscape.

 

Tommi Toija’s journey as an artist

Over his long career, Tommi Toija has become one of Finland’s most significant sculptors. His work, such as the nine-meter “Bad Bad Boy” in Jätkäsaari, has gained recognition both in Finland and abroad. Despite his success, Toija approaches his career and work with humility and playfulness. “It was never clear that I wanted to be an artist”, Toija says laughing. “Working with my hands has been my thing since childhood. I watched my father make something, and I would follow.”

Toija’s path to becoming an artist was not straightforward. He recalls how he once considered a career as a wood or a stone mason and even thought of dropping out of high school to attend a craft school. “I didn’t quit high school though, but applied to the Free Art School. That’s where my interest in art really took off, and through several schools, I eventually ended up at the University of Art and Design and the Academy of Fine Arts”, he reminisces.
Toija still doesn’t consider himself a traditional artist: “I see myself more as a craftsman. Working with my hands drives the creation of my works. I rarely even know what I’m doing; I just take the clay in my hands and start working – having a conversation with the clay and seeing what comes out”, he explains his creative process.

 

 

Art for both residents and citizens

Creating art in a residential environment was a new experience for Tommi Toija. He emphasizes the importance of public art in urban architecture and is delighted that his piece is visible from the street, not just for the residents to admire. “In a way, the artwork is a gift for the residents, but also for those passing by”, Toija notes.

Toija doesn’t want to dictate how his art should be interpreted, viewing his art as a mirror reflecting different things to each person. “My work doesn’t have any specific message. I’m not interested in what message I have for others. Everyone experiences art in their own way, based on their own history and way of thinking”, he says.

Art that resonates with viewers

The piece being unveiled at 76&Piha, Ainainen Vappu, was created in Toija’s typical style: the clay took shape in his hands without a precise plan, and the final artwork emerged through a dialogue with the material. “I knew where the piece was going, so the space and timeline naturally influenced the final form. The piece is made of clay, and after firing, it was painted. The sculpting phase is always my favorite”, Toija explains.

Toija has previously worked with public art, but Ainainen Vappu is his first piece created for a residential building. He sees Newil & Bau’s investment in art as exceptional and appreciates the developer’s commitment to showcasing art. This not only enhances the value of the property but also brings joy and inspiration to the residents in their daily lives.

 

 

“The thinking at Newil & Bau is exceptional in this regard – that a developer would want to bring art to the forefront is great.”

 

 

 

Continued creativity in the future

Tommi Toija continues his work with the same principles that have guided him throughout his career – working with his hands and shaping the material give the artworks their form and meaning. “The work continues as before, one step at a time,” he sums up his future plans.

The Ainainen Vappu piece will remain on display on Mannerheimintie. Additionally, the public can explore Toija’s other works and his studio at the Tunteiden arkeologia (Archaeology of Emotions) exhibition at the Helsinki Art Hall, open from June 1st to October 6th, 2024. This is a unique opportunity to see how Tommi Toija’s creative process has evolved over the years

Welcome to Mannerheimintie to see this new artistic addition to the Helsinki cityscape!