Metamorphosis: By Laura Lappi | Firetti Contemporary, Dubai

We are thrilled to announce the inaugural solo exhibition, Metamorphosis by Laura Lappi, in the MENA region. Curated by Mara Firetti, this exhibition will run from February 26th to April 26th, 2024, at Firetti Contemporary in Dubai, UAE.

Laura Lappi draws profound inspiration from the grandeur of ancient basilicas, cathedrals, and medieval Scandinavian wooden structures. In her work, she adeptly captures the diverse architectural forms that have shaped human history, seamlessly weaving together physical spaces, man-made structures, and the intricate workings of the human mind—a journey through the psychogeography of places.

Wood serves as her primary medium, establishing a tangible link to her roots and the natural environment prevalent in Finland, her homeland, manifesting in its forests, architecture, furniture, and as a vital heat source during the prolonged dark seasons.

Metamorphosis further explores Lappi's Basilica series, where she utilizes recycled wood fragments to create minimalist geometric forms inspired by European architectural plans. Layering wood to form intricate geometric patterns, she employs a charring technique using fire, inspired by the ancient Japanese art of yakisugi. This transformative process results in a deep, beautiful black texture that reflects and absorbs light in mesmerizing ways. Light plays a pivotal role in Lappi's works, molding and reshaping our perception of the wooden forms, transcending the confines of the material world and giving birth to captivating interplays of shadows and illumination.

Central to Lappi's practice is the theme of transformation, as wood evolves from a living organism to a shaped, discarded, repurposed, and organized material. Through the alchemy of fire, it undergoes a profound metamorphosis, existing in an in-between state, half-dead and half-alive, defying preservation. This elemental connection to fire links her work to humanity's earliest mastery of energy, capable of transformative feats such as heating, bending, and disappearing.

This notion of transformation is further highlighted in Cella and Sundown, where Lappi delves into the technostress inherent in contemporary society, exploring themes of time and introspection. Cella offers a meditative glimpse of an eternal flame, juxtaposing a burning candle against a charred wooden backdrop, while Sundown captures the fleeting beauty of a Finnish Midsummer's eve sunset on a smartphone screen. These videos, displayed on refurbished iPhones set within ornate wooden frames, exude a hypnotic and contemplative ambiance reminiscent of classical paintings, inviting viewers into moments of tranquil reflection.

Architectural columns and pillars through the lens of astronomy are also explored with Lappi’s latest series, Nebula. This installation consists of circular sculptures cast with cement, pigments, and diamond dust. These sculptures depict cosmic phenomena like the "Pillars of Creation" in the Eagle Nebula, inviting viewers to contemplate the vastness and wonder of the universe.

The exhibition also offers a glimpse into her creative process and inner musings through a collection of drawings, serving as a bridge between abstract concepts and tangible artistic manifestations. These drawings provide illuminating insights into her artistic journey, enriching the viewer's understanding of her transformative vision.

Metamorphosis not only showcases Lappi's creative prowess but also serves as a metaphor for the human experience—a reminder of our innate capacity for transformation and the enduring beauty that emerges from life's challenges. Through her art, Lappi invites us to embark on a journey of introspection and discovery, where the boundaries between the tangible and the abstract blur, and the essence of existence is laid bare for contemplation.