Graffiti artist Jouni “Psyke” Väänänen has created a painting for the reception area of Suomen Kaasuenergia’s new office. Two robins climbing on gas pipes and birch branches welcome visitors.
A robin-sized splash of colour
Väänänen says the image did not simply fall into place: it required planning, considerable thought and different compositions. “The idea of pipes turning into a birch tree was there for a long time. At first, the pipes ran vertically and horizontally, but only tilting them to a different angle gave the background the dynamism it needed.” Early designs featured several small birds of different species. “But that would have been a jumble,” Väänänen admits. “Two large birds work better here than a collection of small ones.”
The painting uses matt paints on plywood. The matt surface prevents reflections from the office lighting and makes it pleasant to view. Several layers of semi-opaque colour give the work depth and a natural feel. “The office colour scheme is otherwise so restrained that this painting can be playful. I drew on Suomen Kaasuenergia’s logo colours and the yellow of the gas pipe,” Väänänen explains.
A master of photorealism
Jouni Väänänen is a skilled photorealistic graffiti artist. He mainly paints photorealistic human figures, making the pair in Suomen Kaasuenergia’s reception area among his first photorealistic birds. The references came from nature photographer Timo J. Palomäki and his photographs, which Väänänen quickly received permission to use.
Väänänen works with extreme precision and a love of his craft. His meticulous approach leads him to call himself an engineer-graffiti artist. “Even so, it is essential to give yourself some leeway,” he says while carefully painting over shiny metal screw heads.
The pressure-reduction cabinet project continues
Launched in autumn 2018, the pressure-reduction cabinet project is continuing. The remaining cabinets are due to be painted during the autumn, weather permitting. Two will feature imagery similar in spirit to the office painting. “On three cabinets, I will paint photorealistic figures of people who live in the area.” Väänänen aims to strengthen community spirit. The same thinking inspired the earlier LOVE-themed cabinets, which local residents have particularly praised. “If everyone brings a little love into the world, it keeps building into something bigger and sets a great ball rolling,” Väänänen adds.
The photorealistic figures will be painted in Herttoniemi, Roihuvuori and Ullanlinna. The nature-themed pressure-reduction cabinets can be found in Hakaniemi and Herttoniemi.
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