Anssi Taulu

Ansi Taulu (Anssi Taulu)

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Anssi Taulu (born 1969 in Jyväskylä, Finland) is a prominent sculptor and installation artist. His oeuvre, which also encompasses environmental art projects, printmaking, and video works, frequently involves collaborative initiatives with other artists. He graduated in sculpture from the Kankaanpää Art School in 1994 and earned his MFA from the University of the Arts Helsinki in 2022.

His major solo exhibitions include shows at Galleria Sculptor (Helsinki), GalleriaKONE (Hämeenlinna), and Galerie Toolbox (Berlin). His notable environmental art project, “Wasp Factories”, has been realized in numerous locations across Finland, as well as in Edinburgh and London. His works have been exhibited widely across Europe, and his public sculptures are installed in Finland and the United States (New York). He is a member of the Association of Finnish Sculptors and currently lives and works in Hämeenlinna, Finland.

Artist Statement

“Sculpting is my way of parsing experiences. I examine our common history and follow everyday phenomena like routines and rituals. Often the motives behind these actions remain in the shadows, and through my sculptures and installations, I try to uncover these hidden structures. I am interested in multi-sensory experiences, which is why I create spaces that viewers can enter — spaces that simultaneously evoke feelings of desolation and solace.

My core principles are transparency, lightness, and cyclicality. I am drawn to the transition of places and objects that have lost their original purpose, opening up possibilities for new ideas. In my work, I frequently use various recycled materials – cardboard, plexiglass, wood, and ready-made objects.”

Transparent Shelters

(Excerpt from an essay by Olli Jalonen)

Taulu’s art stems from a childhood experience of creating small, delimited spaces in nature. Although his works are conceived as complete and distinct pieces, a fundamental characteristic is their profound connection to both environment and time. The inventive use of materials, the presence of voids, and the airy transparency of the works link them directly to a broader spatial context.

Even when designed to occupy a clearly defined area, Taulu’s pieces are neither exclusive nor restrictive. Through their partial porosity, they open up as spacious shelters — safe havens into which one longs to retreat. Subtle references to environmental changes, flora and fauna, and natural and human history grant these works a multidimensional existence.

Taulu constructs tangible spaces from fluctuating materials, building unique territories with masterly craftsmanship. The experience of space is conveyed to the viewer in a distinctive manner, merging sweeping vistas with a comforting sense of shelter.