Play and Celebration

The world of daycare-aged children is made visible in Erno Enkenberg’s painting series titled Play and Celebration. The works are spread across the main hall and activity room of Daycare Jäkälä, which was designed by Verstas Architects. The series of six oil paintings depicts children’s play and the experience of growing up, from individual moments towards more communal and imaginative activities.

Everyday situations are mixed with elements of fantasy, and the series culminates in a fancy dress party. “It is important that children have the opportunity to try out different roles, and I’d like to think this painting encourages that,” the artist says. 

The works are influenced by digital visual culture and feature bright colours and simplified human figures that are reminiscent of the anonymous, easily identifiable characters of early video games.

Erno Enkenberg (b. 1975) is a visual artist from Espoo, living and working in Helsinki. Enkenberg combines traditional oil painting with digital tools and uses 3D modelling software to create drafts for his paintings. Enkenberg’s works have been acquired for many Finnish collections, including the collections of HAM, Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma, the Saastamoinen Foundation, the Sara Hildén Art Museum, and the Finnish State.

The work belongs to the City of Helsinki’s art collection, which is managed and curated by HAM.