Lot 48: MARJUKKA VAINIO (b.1953 Finnish)

MARJUKKA VAINIO (b.1953 Finnish)
Amaryllis IV, 2002
chromogenic print
signed and dated in ink, typed label with credit, title, date and edition 'AP1' on backing board
40 x 50in. (101 x 127cm.)

The Helsinki School: Photography by TaiK, Hatje Cantz, 2005, p.51 (fig.C); Vainio, Maan Valoa -- Light of the Earth -- Lumière de la Terre -- Jordens Ljus, Hämeenlinnan Offset-Kolmio Paino Oy, 2006, pp.26-27.

The process closely resembles the efforts of an alchemist trying to convert base metals into gold.

MARJUKKA VAINIO, 2006

DISTINCTIVELY NORDIC
No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT at 17.5% will be added to the buyer's premium which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis.
This work is number AP1 from the sold-out edition of 7 + 2 AP.

Vainio's photographic journey with plant life has led her to embrace a minimalist formal approach to artistic expression. Amaryllis IV, 2002, is the epitome of her reductive process -- a single red flower floating against a grey background. In contrast to the simplicity of the resulting images, her process is laborious and involves various photographic techniques. To create Amaryllis IV, Vainio first used the camera-less photogram technique and placed the actual petals on light-sensitive paper. She then photographed her photogram to produce her large-format chromogenic prints. She relies mostly on non-digital methods in order to retain the element of surprise.

Vainio earned her MA from the University of Art and Design Helsinki. Her works have been widely exhibited in Europe and the US and are held in several institutional and private collections, including The Finnish Museum of Photography and Hämeenlinna Art Museum, Finland. She is the recipient of the 2003 Finland Award. Vainio lives and works in Hämeenlinna.