Take Wing

Created by the Hyäryllistä Artist Group, Take Wing is arelief that is based on line drawings the pupils of Taivallahti Primary School made of their hands. The artwork’s form is organic, resembling a flock of birds, and it’s been installed on the staircase landing of the school’s upper building.

When the Hyäryllistä group visited Taivallahti Primary School, they were told about visits by former pupils, Advent season celebrations, and memories associated with the place. An image of candlelight and natural light pouring into the space from two directions began to take shape in the minds of the artist group. Polished gold-coloured brass, which comes to life when reflecting light, was chosen as the material for the artwork. The idea to incorporate the presence of the pupils into the artwork also arose.

Pupils participated in the creation of the artwork by drawing their own handprints, which Hyäryllistä collected during a one-week workshop. In the workshops, the group showed videos of bird flocks and encouraged pupils to position their hands in a way that resembled the silhouettes of birds. According to the Hyäryllistä group, “We need everyone’s hands to build this world. The birds and wings remind us of a free world and free opportunities. A school should be a place where your wings become stronger, and you can practice flying with a flock you know.” 

Hyäryllistä has worked together for over 30 years, and they are one of the most long-standing artist groups in Finland. The group had an extensive retrospective in WAM, Turku, in 2020. Each group member has their individual artistic practice, with which the group’s projects and phases intertwine. Group members Heli Kurunsaari and Sari Koski-Vähälä realised the work for Taivallahti Primary School.

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