Metamorphosis : By Laura Lappi

25 February - 25 April 2024
Laura Lappi draws profound inspiration from the grandeur of ancient basilicas, cathedrals, and medieval Scandinavian wooden structures. In her work, she adeptly captures the diverse architectural forms that have shaped human history, seamlessly weaving together physical spaces, man-made structures, and the intricate workings of the human mind—a journey through the psychogeography of places.
 
Wood serves as her primary medium, establishing a tangible link to her roots and the natural environment prevalent in Finland, her homeland, manifesting in its forests, architecture, furniture, and as a vital heat source during the prolonged dark seasons.
 
Metamorphosis further explores Lappi's Basilica series, where she utilizes recycled wood fragments to create minimalist geometric forms inspired by European architectural plans. Layering wood to form intricate geometric patterns, she employs a charring technique using fire, inspired by the ancient Japanese art of yakisugi.
 
In this exhibition, we encounter new works by Lappi, including Cella and Sundown, where she combines video art and sculpture, delving into the technostress inherent in contemporary society and exploring themes of time and introspection. Nebula explores architectural columns and pillars through the lens of astronomy, while a series of drawings offer a glimpse into her creative process.
  • Basilica Series

    Basilica Series

    Each wall sculpture from her Basilica series meticulously crafts historical blueprints using repurposed wood. Layering wood to form intricate geometric patterns, she employs a charring technique using fire, inspired by the ancient Japanese art of yakisugi. This transformative process results in a deep, beautiful black texture that reflects and absorbs light in mesmerizing ways. Light plays a pivotal role in Lappi's works, molding and reshaping our perception of the wooden forms, transcending the confines of the material world and giving birth to captivating interplays of shadows and illumination.

  • BASILICA

    WALL SCULPTURES
    • Laura Lappi, Aenigma, 2023
      Laura Lappi, Aenigma, 2023
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    • Laura Lappi, Basilica XIII, 2023
      Laura Lappi, Basilica XIII, 2023
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    • Laura Lappi, Basilica XIV, 2024
      Laura Lappi, Basilica XIV, 2024
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    • Laura Lappi, Basilica XV, 2024
      Laura Lappi, Basilica XV, 2024
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    • Laura Lappi, Basilica XVI, 2024
      Laura Lappi, Basilica XVI, 2024
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    • Laura Lappi, Basilica XVII, 2024
      Laura Lappi, Basilica XVII, 2024
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    • Laura Lappi, Untitled, 2023
      Laura Lappi, Untitled, 2023
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    • Laura Lappi, Untitled, 2023
      Laura Lappi, Untitled, 2023
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  • Cella & Sundown Cella & Sundown Cella & Sundown Cella & Sundown Cella & Sundown Cella & Sundown

    Cella & Sundown

    The technostress related to the use of smartphones in everyday life and the passage of time are at the center of Lappis new video works Cella and Sundown. Cella depicts a meditative moment of an eternal flame. In the video, a burning candle is set against a charred wooden wall. Sundown is a smartphone video of the last minutes of sunset on Midsummer’s eve in Finland, where the scorching sun is reflected on the surface of the lake. Both videos are displayed on refurbished iPhones which are set in a wooden frame that resembles the ones used for the paintings of old masters in the golden age, reinforcing the hypnotic and meditative effect of the works.

  • VIDEO

    WALL SCULPTURE
    • Laura Lappi, Cella, Ed. 2/5 + 1AP, 2023
      Laura Lappi, Cella, Ed. 2/5 + 1AP, 2023
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    • Laura Lappi, Sundown Ed. 1/5 + 1AP, 2024
      Laura Lappi, Sundown Ed. 1/5 + 1AP, 2024
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  • Nebula

    Nebula

    Wall installation Nebula (Latin for mist or fog) consists of 10 circular sculptures that examine the architectural columns and pillars and their symbolic reference to astronomy. Cast with cement, pigments and diamond dust, the sculptures depict the star-forming gas and dust regions, such as the "Pillars of Creation" in the Eagle Nebula.

  • NEBULA

    WALL SCULPTURES / INSTALLATION
    • Laura Lappi, Nebula I, 2024
      Laura Lappi, Nebula I, 2024
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    • Laura Lappi, Nebula II, 2024
      Laura Lappi, Nebula II, 2024
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    • Laura Lappi, Nebula V, 2024
      Laura Lappi, Nebula V, 2024
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  • Drawings

    Lappi offers a glimpse into her creative process and inner musings through a collection of drawings, serving as a bridge between abstract concepts and tangible artistic manifestations. These drawings provide illuminating insights into her artistic journey, enriching the viewer's understanding of her transformative vision.
  • DRAWINGS

    • Laura Lappi, Basilica VII , 2024
      Laura Lappi, Basilica VII , 2024
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    • Laura Lappi, Basilica XII, 2024
      Laura Lappi, Basilica XII, 2024
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    • Laura Lappi, Basilica XV, 2024
      Laura Lappi, Basilica XV, 2024
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