Kera art programme launched in Tapiola – Test piece of ‘Kukkagalleria’ is now on display at Central Basin
The new Kera residential area is under construction and, once completed, it will feature several artworks that reflect the ceramic history of the area. You can now get a taste of what is to come, as a small test piece of Heini Riitahuhta’s ‘Kukkagalleria’ was installed near the Tapiola Central Basin.
Ceramic art in Kera
The old Kera industrial area is transforming into a residential area and an exhibition of ceramic art. After all, Kera does have a long history of ceramics. Did you know that the district was named after the Kera ceramics factory that used to be in the area?
The Kera art programme(external link, opens in a new window) aims to preserve the tradition, and ceramics are in some way present in all five artworks selected for the area. The artists creating the works are ceramic artist Heini Riitahuhta, visual artists Inka Bell, Tiia Matikainen and Ville Heimala, and Norwegian ceramic artist and sculptor Irene Nordli. The artworks were selected by a jury with representatives from the City of Espoo and EMMA – Espoo Museum of Modern Art.
“Bringing art into urban spaces is a key part of EMMA’s collection work. Public art can strengthen the local identity and highlight the local history and special features. The story of the Kera ceramics factory has inspired the artists in many ways,” says Curator Henna Paunu, who is responsible for EMMA’s collections.
The first apartment buildings in the new residential area were completed in 2025, and the artworks will be installed as the construction of the area progresses.
First taste of Kera artworks in Tapiola
The first concrete piece of the Kera art programme is now on display in Tapiola, as a small test piece of Heini Riitahuhta’s ‘Kukkagalleria’ has been installed near the Central Basin. The test piece allows us to examine technical solutions related to the work.
Later, Riitahuhta’s ‘Kukkagalleria’ will be placed in the Dreijanportti underpass in Kera. The final work will feature large ceramic reliefs inspired by nature. A total of 40 large flowers will bring joy to passers-by in the centrally located underpass and create a harmonious atmosphere in the tunnel.
“When I close my eyes, I see all kinds of flowers. I want to fill the underpass with large flowers and paint the reliefs using broad brush strokes. Although everything is carefully planned, I want to create a carefree and relaxed atmosphere. The name of the work indicates that the underpass will be an outdoor gallery for all passers-by,” says artist Heini Riitahuhta.
“Heini Riitahuhta’s work in Kera will be monumental and impressive. Thanks to the test piece in Tapiola, people can already admire an incredibly beautiful detail of the work. Riitahuhta’s works are also on display at EMMA, where ceramic art is strongly represented in the collections,” Henna Paunu adds.
The test piece will be on display in Tapiola for at least a year. You can find it on the supporting wall on the western side of the Central Basin.
