SCARCE FRITILLARY, 2022
Rykmentinpuisto, Tuusula
Tuusula Art Museum Collections
The Sacarce Fritillary butterfly is represented by 40 sculptures placed on the light poles, building walls, and other public space elements in the park and street areas of the Rykmentinpuisto residential area. Each butterfly is unique in its coloration and installation. The size of each sculpture is approximately 50 x 60 x 30 cm, depending on the installation.
Materials: cast aluminum, polished acid-resistant steel, automotive paints
Client: Tuusula Art Museum, Minna Tuominen
Curating and Art Plan: Laura Lehtinen / Freizimmer oy
Metalwork and Installation: Selki Asema, Jukka Merta
Aluminum Casting: Foundry Arnie, Juha Nieminen
Painting: Riikka Hyvönen
The Rykmentinpuisto residential area is located on the former Hyrylä garrison area. Due to their closed nature and purpose, garrison areas create unique natural environments that favor certain animal and plant species. The Hyrylä garrison area has been home to the Scarce Fritillary (Ephydryas maturna), which is a species of concern in Finland, declining in Europe, and protected under the EU Habitats Directive. The military activity in the area has maintained forest edge habitats that have been favorable for the species and the flora required for its larvae, especially the pine mat (Ceanothus diversifolius).
Since the area has transformed into a residential neighborhood, no sightings of the species have been reported. In this artwork, a swarm of net-winged butterflies returns to Rykmentinpuisto. The large butterfly sculptures spread throughout the residential area remind us of the neighborhood's past, illustrate changes in the natural environment, and nourish the imagination, prompting reflections on the impact of evolution or genetic manipulation.
In connection with the artwork, a garden was planted in the area to attract butterflies.