Silence

Janne Laine, Into the deep…, heliogravure and aquatint, 40 x 60 cm, 2008.

Janne Laine, Skin of ice I, heliogravure and aquatint, 40 x 60 cm, 2008.


Main Gallery
Silence
Janne Laine
February 25, 2010 – April 3, 2010

Open Studio presented Silence, a solo exhibition by Tampere, Finland-based artist Janne Laine from February 25 to April 3, 2010. Janne Laine works primarily in the medium of heliogravure, an intaglio process that produces detail and tones similar to a photograph (also known as photogravure). The works exhibited in Silence describe idealized landscapes that depict water in all its forms—gas, liquid and solid—as the essence of life. According to the accompanying essay by Finnish art critic Veikko Halmetoja, Laine’s landscapes are never merely a visual representation of a scenic view; they show watery landscapes independent of any ideologies—primal images depicting the birth of life.

Further examination of Laine’s prints reveals images of a vanishing North, and allusions to the end of life. The glaciers that provide the source material for many of Laine’s images are changing considerably due to climate change. Laine, who is actively involved in current environmental debates, does not preach at viewers or criticize those who enjoy his work simply for its aesthetic qualities; the work nevertheless contains reminders and clues of what stands to be lost.

Janne Laine, (b. 1970) is a Tampere, Finland-based artist who works mainly in the medium of heliogravure. Laine obtained a degree in visual arts from the Tampere School of Art and Media. Since 1992 he has exhibited in over 20 countries. His work is included in numerous public collections in both Finland and abroad, and he has received a number of awards for his work, including the Bank of Canada Award at the 5th Biennale internationale d’estampe contemporaine de Trois-Riviéres, Québec. Laine has also been a Master Printer at Grafiikanpaja Himmelblau (Himmelblau Graphic Workshop) for 18 years. Laine recently received a five-year artist grant from the State of Finland.

Veikko Halmetoja (b. 1977) is a Finnish art critic. He works as a managing director for the largest annual art festival in Finland. He also writes art critiques for the leading national paper, Helsingin Sanomat. He has been Editor-in-Chief for an alternative art magazine called ½-lehti. He has also written articles on the works of several artists in cooperation with them, including Janne Laine since 2001.

Exhibition Brochure: Download Brochure Here