The scrap lifted from the bottom of Saimaa became a 2.5 meter high work of art – watch the video of its unveiling

/ Culture

The event found an audience despite the bad weather.

Metallic artwork close up.
As a rule, scrap metal was used in the artwork, but there is also some plastic in the Secret of Saimaa.

The newcomer to Paasikivenpuisto in Lappeenranta is called Saimaa’s secret. This attention-grabbing statue along Valtakatu is made from scrap picked up from Saimaa.

Scrap metal is lying on the scrap yard.
In the picture taken in April, you can see the scrap collected from Saimaa, from which the work \”Saimaan Salaiusus\” was made.

During the late spring and early summer, sports divers have been diving in Saimaa for scrap, from bicycles to electronics, for the artwork. Earlier in the afternoon, the creators of Saimaa’s secret were finally able to breathe a sigh of relief.

– I put everything I had into this, and I was ready to ask for help with everything I didn’t know how to do, says Taijatuuli Louhivuori.

The artwork required a lot of extensive expertise, which was also reflected in the amount of praise at the opening ceremony.

– For example, I didn’t learn to weld or scuba dive, Louhivuori says.

Metallic artwork close up.
According to artist Ninni Kola, it was easy to find material for the work. Although the amount of material was useful for the construction of the work, the amount of scrap found in Saimaa upsets the artists.

The tutors brought the audience

The opening event attracted a considerable audience, even though the weather did not favor the occasion. There were also other artists in the audience, as the tutor-instructors of visual art students who had just started brought their groups to experience the opening event.

– I expect to see something cool. Something that would inspire, says Hakala.

A woman in a park. Farther in the background is a work covered with a tarp.
Senni Hakala, a visual arts student at LAB University of Applied Sciences, arrived at the opening ceremony.

In connection with the event, speeches were heard from representatives of the city of Lappeenranta, among others. A musical performance was also heard before the unveiling of the statue.