Joakim Ojanen

SPENDING THE DAY ON A STONE (Pink)

€10,000

Edition of 8

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A new collaboration with Joakim Ojanen transfigures a smiling, rock-hopping cephalopod into polished marble and bronze.

Intelligent and mysterious, an octopus emerged from Ojanen’s menagerie of bizarre characters as the perfect subject for his first foray in marble. Happy, perhaps unnervingly so, the 8-legged creature looks out from its titular stone – content with being a static observer to the ceaseless passage of time.

“I see my human figures as self portraits, more or less, but the octopus is my friend. A true trooper who will stay by my side in any weather.”

Natural veining running through the pink and green marble lends each sculpture its own unique character, set off by the patina formed gradually on its bronze adornments. The premise of a stone sculpture, sitting on a stone, embodies the wry humour found throughout Ojanen’s practice.

Behind the scenes

Joakim Ojanen

9 collaborations

Ojanen’s creatures are surreal and deeply human at the same time. Each has a life of its own made up of droopy, worm-like expressions, bugged eyes, and odd flappy growths. Depicted across sculpture, painting and drawing, Ojanen uses a palette of pastel hues occasionally punctured by bursts of bright colour. The works contribute to the eclectic international resurgence of ceramics in contemporary art, from Grayson Perry to Yun Hee Lee. The works are inspired by DIY zine culture, as well as popular iconic cartoons like Garfield and Futurama. This sense of play runs throughout Ojanen’s practice, exploring the peculiar nature of the human condition.

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Reviews from Avant collectors

very happy with everything, the piece is better than I expected. Taking it to the framer next week :) thanks!
Review of Centrifuge
We are incredibly impressed with the quality of our print and the level of professionalism of Avant Arte.
Review of Actual Size
Lovely art work, very professional company, the packaging was incredible. The whole process was very impressive. i will purchase more. thanks!
Review of Guardian
communication from start to finish has been very informative, quick and helpful. I am happy with the professional way in which the piece has been packaged and shipped, protected to a high degree. Thank you to everyone involved.
Review of Something Forbidden (Blue)
First class service, from start to finsh. Thank you!
Review of Sacred Connectedness
Gorgeous! Really blown away by the packaging.
Review of Untitled
love it! beautiful sturdy wooden box and gloves supplied to handle and protect the artwork.
Review of Descendent - Lucid Dreamer
Excellent on every level - buying experience, communication, framing and packaging by (which was exceptional) and of course, the actual artwork - it is stunning in real life - really delighted.
Review of Guardian

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