MEN´S ROOM -Kai Ruohonen

The threshold to the men’s room is lower than high morals.

PRESS RELEASE:

The Pori-born visual artist Kai Ruohonen transforms everyday objects and items into multifaceted forms in his works. At first glance, many of his pieces stand out for their simplicity, but behind this lies an invitation to interpret and engage with the artwork on a deeper level.

Ruohonen’s works guide viewers to perceive the parody present in the ordinary aspects of our environment and society. In his playfully serious works, he has previously used materials such as fishing lures and gingerbread molds. In his exhibition at the Pori Art Museum, he brings into focus the language of symbols—a familiar and clear emblem whose implications may not be immediately apparent.

Kai Ruohonen describes his exhibition as follows:
*”The exhibition, Men’s Room/CV, revolves around variations of the disabled access sign. At its best, the sign embodies humanity; empathy and innovation, emotion and reason. The variations refine the essence of the original symbol, depicting these qualities as well as the resilience that surfaces from within during crises of varying scales and intensities.

The threshold of the Men’s Room is lower than that of high morality. Crossing it is not tied to gender but does require guts. While the attitude-impaired may remain stuck, pants dampened with hesitation, the legless may already be a step ahead. Walking on water is possible too; it just takes faith and air in the tires.”*

Kai Ruohonen (b. 1969, Pori) graduated from the Pori Art School in 1994.
In conjunction with the exhibition, a picture book titled Heilurinukke (Pendulum Puppet), designed by the artist, will be available.

Translated with ChatGPT