A Vuoksi-themed artwork will be installed on the wall of the Mansikkala school center this weekend

Art will be installed on the facade of the Mansikkala school center during the weekend. The Vuoksi-themed work will be displayed on the wall facing Koulukatu.

The artwork depicts Vuoksi's profile at Mansikkala. It was made by an artist and art teacher from Imatra William Dennisuk.

Dennisuk was inspired by the architecture of the Mansikkala school center and especially the building's large windows, which reflect the sky and the surrounding landscape.

Another source of inspiration was found in the river Vuose, which flows right next to the school center.

The work that reflects the landscape changes with the environment

The artwork is made of polished stainless steel. The material reflects the surrounding landscape.

- The large windows of the school center reflect their surroundings and Vuoksi reflects light. I wanted to make a work that, like windows and Vuoksi, reflects light and landscape, says Dennisuk.

To passers-by, the work always appears different: for example, the time of day and year, as well as the weather, affect what the viewer sees.

The change symbolizes the passage of time, says Dennisuk, just like the school building.

- Pupils go to school in the school center and continue their lives after that.

The work is illuminated with LED lights. Thanks to the lighting, the work comes out better. Dennisuk hopes that the lighting will also bring joy to the evenings and especially to the dark winter months.

Percentage art is coming to all school centers

The city of Imatra has ordered percentage art for each of its new school centers.

- The new school centers are the largest investment package in Imatra's history. The buildings are used in a variety of ways and we wanted them to embody Imatra and Imatra-ness. Imatra has a long tradition as a city of art and culture, and one way to express this is by investing in public buildings in the form of percentage art, the chairman of the city board and steering group Anna Helminen says.

The creators of all the works have some kind of connection to the city.

In Vuoksenniska, the work was realized by a visual artist Jarkko Liutu and an artist is coming to Koske's school Zindy Vähäkankaan work.

Dennisuk is satisfied with the city's commitment to art acquisitions.

- Art reminds city dwellers of the different perspectives of humanity and human values. Art can be, for example, poetic or beautiful, it can raise questions, remind us of past events or challenge us to see the world in a new way, Dennisuk reflects.

For more information:

Artist William Dennisuk, william.dennisukhotmail.com (william[dot]dennisuk[at]hotmail[dot]com)

Anna Helminen, chairperson of the city council and steering group, tel. 020 617 2280, give. pearlimatra.fi (anna[dot]helminen[at]imatra[dot]fi)