A Glow of Light and New Perspectives – Thoughts on Maija Lavonen’s Exhibition
- ateljeepiccolo
- Jun 29
- 2 min read
I recently visited Maija Lavonen’s exhibition at the Design Museum in Helsinki, and to put it simply, the experience was breathtaking. The exhibition not only showcased Lavonen’s impressive body of work but also opened up new perspectives on the possibilities and role of textile art within contemporary art.
As someone still fairly new to textile art – both as an artist and as a workshop instructor – Lavonen’s pieces made a particularly deep impression on me. They resonated with me both professionally and emotionally. Her works that incorporated fiber optic cables into traditional rya rug techniques especially stuck with me. The soft glow of light in the dim museum space created an almost meditative atmosphere – it felt like the pieces were breathing in their own peaceful rhythm. What a beautiful example of how the traditional and the new can blend seamlessly.
It’s also wonderful to see how textile art is gaining more visibility within the cultural field. This art form often remains in the background – visual arts, music, and performing arts tend to dominate the spotlight and receive well-earned applause, while textile art can easily be overlooked. Yet therein lies something very special: stories, quiet mastery, and the powerful act of making with one's hands. Finland is home to a lovely community of textile artists, and over the years, new faces have joined the scene. Still, I feel the visibility could be greater.
During my museum visit, I noticed the multilingual buzz in the exhibition space. It showed how Lavonen’s work appeals internationally – whether to tourists or people who’ve found their way to Finland from elsewhere. Art connects across borders, and that kind of universal appeal radiated from Lavonen’s work.
I found it especially inspiring to see how technology and craftsmanship can go hand in hand. In Finland, we deeply value handiwork – and rightfully so. But at times, I sense a certain skepticism toward techniques that involve machines or modern tools. Lavonen’s pieces reminded me that art doesn’t need to be serious or limited – and that it doesn’t have to be made only through traditional methods. Imagination knows no boundaries. So why not bring light, metal, or machine-made elements into a rya? Why not seek new ways to express ourselves?
This museum visit served as an important reminder of why I do this work – and how crucial it is to remain open to new ideas. Art lives and breathes with its time, and so should its creators.
✨ Thank you, Maija Lavonen, for an inspiring, beautiful, and thought-provoking exhibition. ✨
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