Unique pieces
Roots Exhibition 2.3.–25.5.2023 at Hanaholmen Cultural Center. In collaboration with Leena Kouhia, Tapani Rinne, Juha Mäki-Patola and Anna Järvinen.
RECENT Exhibition
“There is value in knowing your roots and heritage. The culture you come from, the history, inherited traditions, a family that knows its own history. Many people take this for granted, for others it is a lifelong search. Throughout history, people have moved, either by choice or by necessity. We seek better living conditions for future generations. Land areas are annexed, disorder and unrest force people to move. Ethnic cleansing, wars, environmental destruction, and many more circumstances lead to migration. As a result, traditions, family histories and roots are shattered. Identities and a sense of belonging are lost. At its worst, this causes generational traumas, that we carry. …This multi-sensory installation is a dialogue between artists through materials about their traditions and histories.”
New artworks - oil pastel and ink on paper © Reka Kiraly, 2022 (30X42cm / partly in private collection)
Vase no 1 - collaboration with ceramic artist Leena Kouhia © 2022 (ceramics, 30X45cm / In private collection)
My practice
When it comes to unique pieces my method of working is meditative. The works evoke the fragility of the present moment. Using ink on paper without planning in advance creates a process where you can’t hide anything. What I find beautiful in this, is that nothing gets erased, all small stains become part of the final piece.
Wall Mural © Reka Kiraly, 2021 (7X3,5m / Glasshouse Helsinki - permanent artwork)
RECENT work
Glasshouse Helsinki commissioned me to create a mural to their new premises in the heart of Helsinki. The 7m wide and 3,5m tall mural is a silent celebration of diversity. The artwork combines the imaginary plants of Kiraly with the plants of the Finnish forest that are already extinct or seriously endangered.
“Kiraly paints with a free-flowing, natural technique that fits the subject matter perfectly.”
– JANI NIIPOLA
Lepidoptera No 5 © Reka Kiraly (Ink on paper, 61X41,5cm)
Lokal Helsinki - Summer Exhibition, 2021 / Helsinki, Finland
Kuvittajat ry - Imaginary Herbarium exhibition, 2020 / Helsinki, Finland (photo © Salla Keskinen & Kuvittajat ry)
Kuvittajat ry - Imaginary Herbarium exhibition, 2020 / Helsinki, Finland (photo © Salla Keskinen & Kuvittajat ry)