b.1997, Yan holds a BFA from the Visual & Performing Arts School of Syracuse University(USA). She currently works from Hangzhou(China). Codie is a multidisciplinary artist whose practice is deeply inspired by nature. Her recent work explores the notion of “island” — geologically, socially, culturally, and philosophically— and how an “island of meaning” becomes “Yksi ja Sama” for Yan, and this concept shapes her thinking and creative process. In recent years, Yan has gradually shifted from lens-based media to watercolor, ink calligraphy, and painting. She values the immediacy and intimacy of working with water, color, and brush, preferring this direct creative flow over the distance of digital and mechanical processes.
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Article originally posted in Korpo Bladet Issue 102, you can read it on PDF here
The opening at Galleria Aski for AARK 10 Dialog was the warmest opening I’ve ever been to, undoubtedly. Everything had a cut-the-crap, “let’s appreciate it all” kind of spirit. Before we closed the gallery for dinner, Benkku started singing as he walked toward Renja. The couple started dancing—again!
General View of the exhibition
General View of the exhibition
Renja with multiple times AARK residents Lilli Haapala, Gill Akasaka and Jaakko Autio
Discussion: multiple time residents. Participating Artists in the pic Gill Akasaka, Ville Lait, Codie Yan, Maria Ahmed, Brian Cody, also Anneli Holmström making intervju
Renja with Anna Nyreen and artist in the show Brian Cody
Chris Sheridan's Corner (three-time resident).
Why did I say the couple started dancing again? Because I had already learned about their bohemian attitude toward life—that dancing wasn’t just for celebration. Dancing is in their spirits.
On the last weekend of September, Renja celebrated her 67th birthday. We had a bonfire and grilli makkara in the yard. Renja and Benkku danced to “September” by Earth, Wind & Fire. When I told Renja that they didn’t seem like a couple who had been married for years, that instead it felt like every day was the first day of falling in love. Benkku replied, “Renja and I are earth, wind, and fire at the same time!” It was the first time I saw them dancing together. Later that night, they danced again to Roy Orbison’s Pretty Woman, reminiscing about a joyride when Benkku had his fancy car back in the old days.
Renja and Benkku dancing by artist Lilli Haapala
When I arrived in Korppoo, Renja immediately apologized as she picked me up at the bus stop—explaining that the other artist who was supposed to share the building with me in September couldn’t make it. So instead, she and Benkku would stay in the first floor apartment for the month. After we finished grocery shopping and on our way back to AARK, I suddenly told her that I already knew I wanted to come back. Renja started laughing in her signature way—pure joy, the kind of laugh that takes you off guard.
“But you don’t know yet,” she said.
It’s too soon to be so optimistic about the unknown archipelago life, not yet.
But I did know. I knew I’d come back the moment the bus left Turku, crossing the water on that long bridge, heading toward one yellow ferry after another.
On Saturday, Oct 11, we had a small artist talk and discussion about residencies at Galleria Aski. We shared our thoughts on being at AARK, and—against all odds— everyone felt at home there. AARK attracts a certain kind of people, perhaps because none of us fully realize that an art residency in the middle of an archipelago is a niche. And by digging into that niche together, we already qualify as family.
