Helmi Liikanen

AUKEAMA

Dialogue between painted color and Ioncell

Ioncell®, developed by Aalto University in cooperation with the University of Helsinki, is a technique to produce cellulosic fibers for textile applications. In Aukeama, large shapes overlap, forming new hues in Helmi Liikanen’s painted textile. The painting’s abstract shapes can appear as a book spread, perhaps prompting us to turn a page towards a more sustainable future. The artwork is painted on Ioncell fabric using surplus dyes.

In Aukeama, large shapes overlap, forming new hues in Helmi Liikanen’s painted textile. This could be seen as a metaphor for new knowledge being born in the intersections. The abstract shapes of the painting can appear as a book spread, perhaps prompting us to turn a page towards a more sustainable future. The artwork is painted on Ioncell fabric using surplus dyes.

The light-hued woven fabric was originally designed by Helmi Liikanen in 2018 as part of Aalto University's Ioncell Independence Day Gown project. The fabric was hand-woven by Päivi Kokko-Vuori, which can be seen in the beautiful fringed edges.

The textile painting Aukeama was born in 2021, when Helmi wanted to give new life to some of the fabric that was remaining from the project. Because Ioncell is an ecological solution to fiber-production, Liikanen wanted to choose a dye-stuff that was also responsible. The reactive color used to paint this art piece is surplus color from the digital printer of the printing workshop of Aalto University.

The ingredients for this art-project were found in different corners of Aalto University with thanks to Pirjo Kääriäinen, Marja Rissanen and Eeva Heikkinen.