VUO, 2020
Public art commission in Vaakunatori, Espoo
Collection of EMMA, Espoo Museum of Modern Art
Four overlapping painted stainless steel nets form a transparent organic shaped sculpture. Colorful nets mix in perception and form different colour combinations depending on light and position of viewer. Size approximately 11 x 6 x 6 meters.
Comissioner: Mikko Kivinen, Espoo
Curators: Henna Paunu and Tuomas Laulainen, EMMA
Metalworks and installation work: Jukka Merta, Selki-Asema
Painting: Lassi Riissanen, Taximo Oy
Light design: Ari Tiilikainen, LITE Designs Oy
Structure design and 3D modelling: Kari Nyrhinen and Augustin Ceillier, Ramboll Oy
Square and landscape design: Tiina Perälä, Näkymä Oy
"Vesa-Pekka Rannikko’s artwork Flux – Merging Streams is made of different-coloured stainless steel nets situated at Vaakunatori square. The colourful metal nets are layered, and the work can be seen in different colours, depending on the direction they are seen from. The pronunciation of the Finnish name Vuo (Flux) feels soft and flowing, which is a reference to the shape of the work. The metal nets of the brightly-coloured sculpture are reminiscent of waves, forming a stream-like bed inside which one may pass through.
Vaakunatori is surrounded by brand new apartment houses, Lakelanpuisto and the railway station. There are also plans to situate a new Espoolaisten talo (house for Espoo residents) next to the square. Rannikko’s work reflects the functions of the surrounding area, including traffic streams and the many meanings of the administrative centre, such as democratic decision-making, where many voices form a united outcome." (EMMA, Espoo Museum of Modern Art)