Press Release 3.6.2021
The anniversary year of the family business Pentik also marks the 50th artist anniversary of ceramic artist Anu Pentik, the founder of the Finnish design company. The celebrations culminate on June 4th with the opening of the "In the Beginning There Was a Seed" exhibition at the WAM Turku City Art Museum. The exhibition has been under preparation for over two years and features site-specific art pieces and installations designed specifically for the space, including the impressive Seeds artwork, where 1,500 ceramic dandelion pappi float in the air.
The "In the Beginning There Was a Seed" exhibition is Anu Pentik's personal journey through her eventful 50-year artistic career. The exhibition showcases Pentik's new artworks, for which thousands of hours of work have been dedicated, using over 400 meters of nearly 200-year-old timber, 900 kilograms of stoneware clay, 800 kilograms of casting clay, and 600 kilograms of paper porcelain paste. The inspiration for the works comes from the nature of Lapland, the animals of Posio, colors, and forms, but above all, from all the different shades of a lived life, from light to dark and even to charred wood.
"I observe my surroundings with sensitive eyes. Creativity is a strong and powerful feeling within me. I don't conform to molds; instead, I want to test the boundaries of ceramics and express the beauty of nature in my own way and through my art. Our factory in Posio is like a big playhouse to me, where I still spend time almost daily. Often, I can hardly sleep because I'm eager to go to the factory and constantly try something new," ceramic artist Anu Pentik describes her creative process.
The exhibition at WAM Turku City Art Museum, open until September, showcases Anu Pentik's entire artistic journey through various themes.
"The story begins with lightly floating, yet technically challenging to execute, ceramic dandelion seeds. Along the way, themes of burnout and difficult matters are also addressed. However, there is always hope, and in the end, serenity and peace are found. The artworks form an imaginary meadow where anything is possible," Anu Pentik summarizes.
Anu Pentik's (born 1942) success story began in the early 1970s with her distinctive Kaamoskivi (Polar Night Stones), unique ceramic candle holders. Over the years, the family business has received numerous awards related to entrepreneurship and responsibility. Anu Pentik has also been awarded the Pro Finlandia Medal. Highlights from Pentik's half-century history can be found at this link.
Anu Pentik - In the Beginning There Was a Seed exhibition 4.6.–19.9.2021
Tickets: adults €12, exhibition visit must be booked in advance at turku.fi/vierailemuseoissaAddress: Turku City Museum WAM, Itäinen Rantakatu 38, Turku
The exhibition opening will be streamed live on June 3rd at 5:55 PM. Participate via this link.
A video about the exhibition, where Anu Pentik talks about her life in her own words, can be viewed at this link.
Pentik's anniversary year also brings art and events to Posio
Pentik's own, the world's northernmost ceramic factory, and the candle workshop located within the factory are in Posio, which has become a popular tourist destination over the years. This summer, the Pentik Hill, which has received recognition for responsible tourism, offers a wide range of events:
- Open throughout the anniversary year: Pentik 50 exhibition, Anu Pentik Gallery, Pentik Hill, Posio
- 6.–30.8.2021: Art experiences and workshops for the whole family, Pentik Manor, Timisjärventie 26, Perä-Posio
- 6.–5.8.2021: Pentik Hill Summer Market, stalls and kiosk, and the knife exhibition by Master Knife Maker Markku Parkkinen opening on June 11th, Pentik Hill, Posio
More detailed information about the events at Pentik Hill Cultural Center can be found at this link. You can explore the services and events at Pentik Manor here.
In September, Pentik events will expand to the stage, as Anu Pentik's life story can be experienced at the Rovaniemi Theater. The play Anu P., written and directed by Hanna Ojala, will premiere on September 11, 2021.
Images
- Anu Pentik - In the Beginning There Was a Seed exhibition photos
- Pentik 50 years: personal and historical photos
Further information:
Minna Lampinen, Marketing Director, tel. +358 40 586 8262
Pentik is a story of will and skill, inexhaustible zest for life, and passion for art. The family business has been beautifying Finnish homes and conquering hearts for half a century. Pentik's story began in 1971 in Posio, where the company's ceramic factory and candle workshop are still located. Today, Pentik is a versatile interior design house, with a turnover of 24 million euros in 2020. It has 49 own stores, including an online store, and Pentik employs nearly 250 people in Finland. Posio and Pentik Hill received the Sustainable Travel Finland recognition for responsible tourism in 2020.
