KIRSI KIVIVIRTA

Kirsi Kivivirta constructs minimalist wall mosaics from porcelain tiles arranged in subtle, gridded compositions. The simplicity of her forms defines each overall configuration, which offers the viewer a sense of pensive, introspective stability.  At the same time, Kivivirta’s work contains the rhythmic, shifting quality of life in motion: light and shadows passing across a geometric form, water flowing along river stones or dripping in rivulets, or the natural cracks which develop on the surface of rocky mineral deposits are referenced in her work. Every tile is individually sized and glazed in shades of white, off-whites, and metallic oxides. This allows minute adjustments to each element to create visual deviations in the overall design. Kivivirta is fascinated by precision and variety. Her subjects include everyday spaces, human tools, and natural landscapes. These archetypal forms reference utilitarian objects like bowls and ceramic vessels as well as architectural and human-made structures. Her patterns often mirror the intricate crisscross of textile bonds found in weaves, knits, loops, and knots.

Kivivirta graduated from the University of Art and Design in Helsinki, Finland in 1985 after receiving her training in ceramic production at the Arabia Ceramic Factory. Her work has been exhibited internationally, including in solo exhibitions at the Mark Rothko Art Center in Daugavpils, Latvia, the Kunsthalle Helsinki, and the Adamson-Ericu Museum in Tallinn. In addition, her work has been included in exhibitions at the Kunsthall Grenland, the Gustavsberg Porcelain Museum, the CLAY Museum of Ceramic Art Denmark, and the Yingge Ceramics Museum. She has completed site-specific installations at the Annantalo Arts Centre and numerous schools, and has been recognized with grants and scholarships from the Finnish Cultural Foundation, the Greta and William Lehtinen Fund, the Swedish Culture Fund, and a Cross of Merit from the Order of the Lion of Finland.