Koivis

Koivis

We were asked to par ticipate in a project to create a sculpture park for children aged 0–3 in Helsinki in 2005. The project was curated by the ar tist Sanna Karlsson-Sutisna. The city of Arcues la Bataille in France became interested in the project and wanted a version made for them. We created a new version of Koivis – The Tree Guardian for them around a local tree.

The original idea was developed around an existing birch tree on the site of the sculpture park in Helsinki. The idea was to create a space especially for children aged 0-3, where no adults or older children could go. This is why only very small children can enter the casing of Koivis – The Tree Guardian. Once inside the red casing, children can watch light come in through the metal tubes that form the arms of the Tree Guardian. The light shines through a perforated surface on the top of the arms, shaped like a hear t and a star. The children also come into very close contact with the tree itself.

Pikku Huopalahti Park, Helsinki, Arcues la Bataille, France, 2005.