The Finnish art of inner strength

Continuous changes of matter and energy. Monotypes in primary colours printed on handmade paper, reflecting information from the world around us. Works giving impression of an autonomous living organism that reacts to stimuli from the external environment and adapts itself. A print theme reminiscent of the basic structural and functional unit - a cell.

Jenni Niskala's work attracted me with its precision, elegance and dynamism. However, I was  surprised by  the names of the works. Triptych "Several ways to be happy" is an impetus for me to think about happiness as a theme. The Nordic nations are statistically the happiest countries in the world. According to the World Happiness Report, the Finns rank among the happiest in 2018. Obviously, also thanks to the Finish "sisu". The inner strength of the proud Finns, living a moderate lifestyle in harmony with nature, resisting every challenge and adversity.

In Bhutan, they perceive the happiness of the people as a declared absolute goal which is known from the beginning of the 21st century as the concept of Gross National Happiness. The GNH has replaced the standard economic indicator - Domestic Product. Lasting happiness cannot exist while others suffer. Happiness is the opportunity to help neighbours, life in harmony with nature and the awareness of our own inner values ​​and wisdom.

The UN has declared happiness as the basic human goal. Criteria for evaluation are the economic stability of the country, social benefits from the state, the provision of health services, or the possibility of free spending of leisure time.

Life in Finland has put me to life tests too, and the concept of "sisu" has been revealed to me a little – everybody has the inner strength that we cannot imagine until we need it.

 
The tireless and patient work of the young artist Jenni Niskala, jewelery designer and since 2019 also a Master's degree student at the Academy of Fine Arts in Helsinki, gives the term "sisu" a new meaning.

Barbora Kachlíková/Curator

Jenni Niskala - How to create reality

Jenni Niskala - How to create reality