RAIVIO & KULJU is an art and design group, formed in 2006 when Päivi and Veera met while studying in the University of Art and Design Helsinki. Raivio & Kulju´s work has elements of both art and design and their work combines function, aesthetics and most importantly experimental approach to aspects such as making or manufacturing, use and function.Raivio & Kulju are looking into developing new ways of producing and exhibiting their work. They are interested in the life cycle of different materials and often use waste or recycled materials to create new works. Questioning the nature and qualities of mass produced objects, their work is rarely produced in series - most works, also due to their on-off materials, are unique. The From the Sea -series was based on the idea of collecting and then dismantling old leather jackets and remaking them into a totally new form and so a series of different objects, such as lamp shades, carpets and pillows, were born.
Raivio & Kulju use unusual public spaces and even a touring car to exhibit. Their aim is to interact with the audience, viewers or users, in different ways and to engage them into discussion about objects, materials and the concept of “need”.
Raivio & Kulju have organised several independent exhibitions and installations, exhibited their work internationally (in Berlin, London and Liverpool) and in Finland, lectured about experimental design and run workshops on the same subject.
Apart from working together Päivi and Veera have their own artistic practices which includes collaborations with illustrators, installations and works in public spaces.
FROM THE SEA -series
Old leather jackets find a new function as a handmade unique carpet or blanket. This work interferes in the cycle of used material by utilising its charasteristics and qualities. The final product is taken out of original context but some subbtle cues
remain.
From the Sea-series has been exhibited in FennoFolk exhibition, DMY-Berlin, Finnish Design Unwrapped (London and Helsinki) and in Everyday Discoveries exhibition.
WANDERING -series
Found objects leave a trail of figures on fabric - the technique produces a dreamlike trail of the object, each repetition being unique - as it all depends on the amount of colour. One drop can make a change.
Experiments leave a trail in ceramics which look twisted, broken or incomplete. Wandering means that the maker cannot entirely control the outcome. The story evolves during the making.
Wandering -series has been exhibited in Helsinki (Table is Set exhibition), London and Liverpool.
From the Sea -photos:
1 Aki-Pekka Sinikoski
2 and cover photo: Jani Kaila
