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Abstract black and green ink shapes and splatters flow and swirl against a white background, creating a marbled effect.

Observing Rhythm, Light and Plankton

Author: 
Olli-Pekka Kangas
Bio:
Ollipekka Kangas is a contemporary artist working across photography, painting, and participatory art. His practice explores the fragile structures of the environment through slow processes, repetition, and spatial sensitivity.

This video work was created during a spring 2025 residency at AARK, an artist residency located in the Turku Archipelago. The days unfolded between sea, forest and sky – a studio without walls.

Each day brought new materials:

  • Hundreds of slow shutter photos, work in progress
  • Observational walks along the shoreline, daily
  • Ink experiments with Chinese and Japanese calligraphy brushes, daily
  • Notes on light, rhythm and feeling the presence of plankton in the shallow waters.

Slow photography became a method of translating natural rhythms into image sequences. The ink gestures echo planktonic movement, layered with silence and soft motion.

This work-in-progress is part of a larger series exploring environmental perception, time and artistic attention in fragile ecosystems.

Ollipekka Kangas is a Finnish visual artist, art educator, and creativity coach. He has exhibited his work since 1991 across major cities in Finland. With a Master of Arts degree, he currently teaches art education at the University of Turku. His work blends traditional techniques with digital and AI-driven tools. Ollipekka explores the intersection of nature, technology, and imagination in his projects. He is passionate about ecological thinking and sustainable art practices. A 4th dan black belt in Aikido, he also practices tai chi and qigong, which influence his artistic philosophy. His recent works include participatory art, VR experiments, and AI-generated visual storytelling. He believes art can transform how we see the world—and how we care for it.

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Wepbage created by Ubuntu Productions (Korpo)
Most of the pictures by Renja Leino  |  Drone and pictures of the studios by Ubuntu Productions (Korpo)