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When the city wanted to renew the Vähätori Square, an art fence was commissioned from artist Saara Ekström (b.1965). The purpose of the fence was to separate the Square from the busy Linnankatu. Kertosäe (Refrain) is 14 metres long and acts as a border for the atmospheric area in front of the Old City Library.
The sculpture was commissioned by the city’s real estate service, and it is made from durable corten steel. The material is heavy and industrial, but the symmetrical rose ornaments piercing the steel plate give the sculpture a delicate overall look.
Turun sotaveteraanien muistomerkki (Turku War Veterans’ Statue) by Aarne Ehojoki (1913-1998) was acquired through the cooperation between Finnish war veteran organisations. The sculpture was financed through a nationwide fundraising campaign in 1992 and unveiled the same year.
The environmental artwork by Ger C. Bout (b.1950), made from galvanised steel wire mesh, is a three-dimensional model representing a traditional Finnish wooden house. With this sculpture, the artist wanted to explore the basic concepts of space and architecture. This transparent two-room “granny cabin” is the embodiment of the idea of small scale architecture. The sculpture is located in the courtyard of the Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova Museum, thus lying right on top of Old Turku.
The sculpture Carro Celeste (”Heavenly carriage”) by Italian artist Mariella Bettineschi is connected to traditions of Pop art and Constructivism. The cobalt blue carriage creates a surrealistic illusion of a moving vehicle, rolling down the hill. In reality, this sculpture with wheels is firmly attached to the ground with invisible support structures.
The bronze sculpture Europe donated to the City of Turku by Dutch artist Jits Bakker (1937-2014) was inspired by Greek mythology. Zeus fell in love with Europe, who was the daughter of a king. In order to get Europe, Zeus turned himself into a bull and took the beautiful woman to the island of Crete. This sculpture was unveiled on 11 June 2008.
Life Cycle by Alice Baillaud (b.1975) was designed specifically for the courtyard of Kaskenlinna hospital. This sculpture reflects the cycle of life through the flowerbeds that change throughout the year and the human silhouettes depicting different stages of life. These silhouettes include a mother carrying her child, a young man, and an elderly couple looking tenderly at each other. One side of the silhouettes is made of corten steel and the other is mirrored.