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Matias Karsikas Merges Diverse Techniques to Reimagine Natural Surfaces

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23 Jan, 2025

This post was originally published on Colossal

“Listening to the material is a central principle in my work,” Matias Karsikas says. Combining elements of glass, wood, and ceramics, the Helinski-based artist draw upon nature’s persistence despite human intervention.

Karsikas’ botanical sculptures rest between artificial and organic. While bold hues of hand-blown glass neatly bloom into symmetrical petals and small bits of fired clay rhythmically protrude to resemble disc florets, fragments of untreated wood create a contrast that challenges the harmony between naturally occurring components of flora and fabricated representations of it.

a botanical sculpture of a flower, made from glass, wood, and ceramics
“Suonkukka (Marsh Flower)”

“These works do not directly depict figures or landscapes but instead draw inspiration from nature through textures and surfaces,” Karsikas explains. For instance, more complex finishes of mottled, green hues—as seen in pieces such as “Jäkälä” and “Sammal”—are a result of the artist developing his own glazes to mimic surfaces similar to lichen and moss.

His first major public work, “Peukaloisen puutarha,” rests on a Helsinki daycare center wall. Translating to “Little Thumbling’s Garden,” the installation includes an abundance of pickings such as embellished flowers, a berry cluster, and peas. “Playing with scale is intended to evoke memories of childhood,” Karsikas shares. “It was a time when everything seemed bigger, more magical, and more exciting.”

Having recently concluded his first major exhibition at the Finnish Glass Museum, Karsikas is currently working on two forthcoming public artworks. Follow his Instagram for updates, and see his website for more work.

“Kultaa ja Kukkia (Gold and Flowers)
a wall-mounted sculpture of a cluster of botanical forms made from glass, wood, and ceramics
“Jäkälä (Lichen)”
a botanical sculpture of a flower, made from glass, wood, and ceramics
“Filigraanikukka (Filigree Flower)
a knit-like pattern made from glass
“Sammal (Moss)”
“Päivänsäde ja Menninkäinen (The Sunbeam and the Goblin)”
an installation of botanical sculptures mounted on the wall of a stairwell made from glass, wood, and ceramics
“Peukaloisen puutarha (Little Thumbling’s Garden),” photo by HAM / Sonja Hyytiäinen
Detail of “Peukaloisen puutarha (Little Thumbling’s Garden),” photo by HAM / Sonja Hyytiäinen
a sculpture of botanical form, made from glass, wood, and ceramics
“Kuumalähde (Hot Spring)”
a botanical sculpture of a flower, made from glass, wood, and ceramics
“Ametistikukka (Amethyst Flower)”

Do stories and artists like this matter to you? Become a Colossal Member today and support independent arts publishing for as little as $7 per month. The article Matias Karsikas Merges Diverse Techniques to Reimagine Natural Surfaces appeared first on Colossal.

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Government consulting on sustainable investment labelling

Government consulting on sustainable investment labelling

The Australian Government is starting consultation on sustainable investment product labelling, which is designed to give investors more confidence to put more capital to work in sustainable products.

The federal government said the release of this paper is a key step in implementing its Sustainable Finance Roadmap — designed to help mobilise the capital required for Australia to become a renewable energy superpower, modernising the financial markets and maximising the economic opportunities from net zero.

This consultation paper seeks views from investors, companies and the broader community on a framework for sustainable investment product labels.

These labels are designed to help investors and consumers identify, compare and make informed decisions about sustainable investment products to understand what ‘sustainable’, ‘green’ or similar words mean when they’re applied to financial products.

The government said a more robust and clear product-labelling framework will help investors and consumers invest in sustainable products with confidence and help tackle greenwashing.

This phase of consultation will run from 18 July to 29 August and help the government refine its design principles for the framework.

The consultation paper is available on the Treasury consultation hub.

Image credit: iStock.com/wenich-mit

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