Commissioned by the Finnish government, ‘Archipelago’ is a large-scale woven tapestry, which was on display in the Europa building for the duration of Finland’s Presidency of the Council of the EU in 2019. The tapestry comprises 18 separate woven sections that are joined together to form an imposing work that measures two metre wide and twenty-six metres long. The piece depicts an abstract image of the Finnish coast and its flora and fauna.
This extraordinary and unique weaving artwork is an abstract depiction of a Finnish archipelago, with its stones, islands and water. The work is inspired by natural forms such as the microscopic details of leaf surfaces, tree bark patterns, and flower petals, with a rhythmic repetition of tree trunks, flowing water, reflections, lichen shapes, and floral decoration. Abstract and imaginative, exotic and wild, the main colours of blue and green are interwoven, with a few accents of orange and black which intensify the visual impression. With its swirling yarns, Saksi’s weaving has almost a 3D effect, , something that is rare in tapestries.The transformation of his view of nature into textiles leads to a very intense visualisation and all kinds of allegories.
The process took more than six months to finalise from early drawings to actual weaving. Saksi was working and experimenting closely with the textile developers and yarn specialists from the TextielLab to find the best material combinations for this project. He wanted to achieve three-dimensional, relief-like results on the surface and was using a special material that is swelling up when it is steamed with hot air. For sustainability reasons, Trevira CS yarns were used for their recycling and fireproof qualities and mixed with recycled yarns made of PET plastic bottles.
Saksi (1975) was born in Kouvola, Finland and graduated from the institute of Design at Lahti University of Applied Sciences in 2000. Two years later he founded his own studio.
His graphic and patterned designs, art direction, illustrations, textiles, art works and installations, which have been shown in Helsinki, New York and, in 2014, at the prestigious Salone del Mobile design fair in Milan, have variously been described as psychedelic, kaleidoscopic and fantastical. He has designed for Nike, Salvatore Ferragamo, Moooi and Marimekko. After living in Paris for a few years, he now lives and works in Amsterdam.
