REVELATIONS: Light artwork on the Kokemäenjoki River – Jaakko Niemelä

Jaakko Niemelä
REVELATIONS light artwork on the Kokemäenjoki River from September 27 to October 27, 1996.

The light artwork Revelations by artist Jaakko Niemelä will be revealed on the Kokemäenjoki River, in front of the beach area of Kirjurinluoto in Pori, on Friday, September 27, 1996, at 9:00 PM.

The artwork consists of 10 white fiberglass figures – self-portraits of the artist – floating on the water. In the evenings, the figures will be illuminated. The concept of the work is based on the protective saints of seafarers, who appear for a moment during storms and other dangerous situations, only to disappear again. Niemelä, who began his artistic career as a graphic artist, is known for his works that utilize light and shadow, electricity, and mechanics. His interest in mechanically produced “natural phenomena” stems from the possibility of altering the artwork through light, shadow, or movement. Niemelä has previously created outdoor artworks, such as in Helsinki and Kuopio, where he hung umbrellas, chairs, and shopping carts suspended from wires. The illuminated objects transformed their nature according to changes in daylight, artificial light, and weather.

Jaakko Niemelä (b. 1959) studied at the Kankaanpää Art School from 1982 to 1985. He currently works as a freelance artist in Helsinki. In addition to his artistic work, Niemelä has taught at several art institutions, including the Rauma School of Art for Children and Youth, Pori Art School, Rauma Adult Education Centre, the City of Helsinki Cultural Affairs Centre, and the Vantaa School of Art for Children and Youth.