Tommi Toija

The sculptures of Tommi Toija arise partly as the outcome of a fabrication process as material trials fashion the idea in a new direction while a human figure remains the protagonist throughout. Ceramic figurines arise initially, and are joined in time by gumballs, with dark clouds and soap bubbles broadening the narrative. It is easy for the viewer to identify with Toija’s figurines and the universal feelings that they convey, which are often innocent, wretched and recognisable from childhood. The work Minä tiedän I know vividly conveys the joy of knowing, while Musta pilvi [Black cloud] and Purkkapallopoika Gumball boy evoke envy experienced in the playground.

Toija sets about making his figurines by fashioning the base figure on a newspaper taped to the head of a stick. When the base figure is ready he breaks it to remove the paper and fires the work in parts at 800 degrees. He then augments the work with plaster, latex, paint – whatever is to hand.

Toija’s works are readily extended from individual sculptures to installations that dominate an entire room. A 2005 exhibition by Toija at Kunsthalle Helsinki featured an installation in which the figurine created its own universe by blowing soap bubbles of varying size into the sky. Then in October 2006 Toija brought his figurine universe to Forum Box.

Lot is sold in collaboration with Forum Box.