UHO

Above the escalators at the north end of the Tennis Palace, a sparkling ‘chandelier’ greets visitors arriving at HAM Helsinki Art Museum. This two-part sculpture by Kari Cavén is titled UHO, the Finnish word for ‘hubris’ or ‘swagger’. The title reflects both the work’s unapologetic splendour and a hint of the alien and uncanny: UHO also stands for ‘Unidentified Hanging Object’, echoing the familiar acronym ‘UFO’.

Imaginative reinvention, unexpected combinations, and humour are hallmarks of Cavén’s practice, which often incorporates readymades and discarded materials. On closer inspection, UHO’s spherical clusters reveal themselves to be networks of interconnected steel bowls. Through sheer quantity and relentless repetition, these everyday objects are transformed into a festive spectacle – a glittering cloud of bling that dominates the airspace. Cavén’s inventive handling of his materials invites both reflection and interpretation.

Born in Savonlinna in 1954, Cavén is an established figure in Finnish contemporary art. Influenced by Arte Povera, Fluxus, Constructivism, and Surrealism, he weaves multiple traditions into what might be called his own form of ‘Cavénism’. After graduating from the Academy of Fine Arts in 1982, he has exhibited widely in Finland and abroad, representing Finland at major events including the Venice Biennale and the São Paulo Biennial. His work is held in numerous prominent Finnish and international collections, and he has also completed many commissioned public artworks.

UHO belongs to the City of Helsinki Art Collection, managed and curated by HAM.