Two new street artworks in Matinkylä

The works were created by visual artist Elina Holley and Estonian mosaic artist Ïque (Salme Kulmar). Rosa Hultman, Producer of the Mimmit peinttaa street art concept, produced and curated the works.

Room for nature in the growing city

The mural under the overpass near the Matinkatu Alepa (Matinkatu 7) was painted by artist Elina Holley. Her works often depict flowers, flourishing, growth, joy and living in the moment. She is fascinated by the beauty of life and the related symbolism and, through her works, she wants to remind people to enjoy each moment. Her works often include details that invite passersby to stop and explore.

The nature-themed mural was inspired by the coexistence of garden plants, wild nature and urban life. It symbolises Espoo as a rapidly growing city of culture that also has room for nature. The artist hopes that the mural and its bright colours give joy and hope to passersby during the long dark season.

Mosaic art brings joy and warmth to the urban environment

Mosaic artist Ïque (Salme Kulmar) has created the artwork in the Tiistilänkaari underpass. The coneflowers have been arranged on all four pillars in a way that creates a sense of perspective – with larger flowers at the base of the pillars and smaller ones placed higher up. The artist has used both recycled and new ceramic tiles, reminding us that broken items can be turned into something beautiful.

The most important role of a mosaic artwork in an urban environment is to awaken a feeling or a thought in the viewer. The work in Matinkylä does not include a verbal message, but it reminds us of warmth. The flowers (‘siilikübar’ or ‘hedhog hats’) take Ïque to childhood fairy-tale illustrations and faith in the existence of storybook characters. She created her first mosaic works in a children’s art club after being given colourful pieces of glass. Her first public artwork was placed on the wall of a building in Tartu, Estonia, and mosaic art has been her passion ever since.

Street art based on a community initiative and supported by the city

The artworks were created as a result of Matinkylä-seura’s initiative for having more public art in Matinkylä. Art helps make a rapidly changing environment safer and more pleasant. The Matinkylä art tunnel initiative has been promoted since 2021 in a joint planning group, including representatives from Matinkylä-seura, the Espoo Museum of Modern Art, and various city units.

In 2023, a group of artists from the Mimmit peinttaa community gave the buildings at the Matinkylä beach a facelift based on Matinkylä-seura’s initiative. Elina Holley was one of the artists who created the ‘Sea Garden’ work on the walls. According to Holley, many people commented on the murals and thanked the artists for brightening up the area. Street art often has a positive impact on the appearance of an area.

Elina Holley has been involved in Mimmit peinttaa activities for many years, while Salme Kulmar, known as Ïque, was invited to join the project as a visiting artist. Over the years, the Mimmit peinttaa street art concept has solidified its position as a nationally significant player that promotes the careers of women artists. The concept works closely with various stakeholders and events, strengthening networks for art professionals and creating employment opportunities. Mimmit peinttaa has been operating since 2015, offering encouragement and a source of inspiration for female and non-binary artists in the male-dominated subculture.