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Heikki W. Virolainen

Imagination is more important than knowledge / Is it reasonable or is Finland forced to pay Wallenberg millions every day for nuclear power built in Finland

Heikki W. Virolainen

Jaluspolku 3, 00980 Helsinki

Indoor Sculpture

Two large abstract sculptures by Heikki W. Virolainen (1936–2004) are installed in the Merilahti Comprehensive school’s Jaluspolku building. Imagination is more important than knowledge hangs from the ceiling in the entrance hall. It is made of bent steel beams that partly pass through each other. The other large steel sculpture is located on the floor of the hall between the school and the adjacent youth centre. Its title is long: Is it reasonable or is Finland forced to pay Wallenberg millions every day for nuclear power built in Finland.

Heikki W. Virolainen became known in the 1960s for highly stylised, colourful sculptures depicting animals or themes from the Finnish national epic, Kalevala. Alongside his figurative work, he also created abstract sculptures.

Virolainen’s theosophical worldview is apparent in both his practice and goals. He emphasised independent thinking and took a highly critical view of power, official truths and norms. He gave his abstract sculptures highly political or philosophical titles, which added an extra dimension to their interpretation: the works are provocative and challenging, and they foster critical thinking – but do so often with gentle humour. Through the sculptures in the Merilahti Primary School, the artist elevates imagination over knowledge – the very thing that the school offers – and he challenges the nuclear policy of Finland and its links to a powerful family in the Swedish economy.

The works were produced under the Percent for Art programme, and they belong to the collection of the City of Helsinki, managed by HAM Helsinki Art Museum.

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