My Oulu: Lithuanian artist Rūta Simutytė loved working in Pikisaari
Rūta Simutytė's light sculptures were featured in Raksila during the Lumo Light Festival weekend. Photos: Rūta Simutytė & Hanna Jakku
Jaa sosiaalisessa mediassa:
Lithuanian textile artist Rūta Simutytė recently spent nearly a month in an artist residency at Pikisaari, Oulu, creating an extraordinary collection of 15 light sculptures for the Lumo Light Festival. This residency, part of the Creative Europe project CreArt 3.0, marked the program’s debut in Pikisaari and was an undeniable success.
A friend forwarded Rūta Simutytė an artist call from Oulu on social media, which seemed almost tailor-made for her talents. Intrigued, she applied and was accepted, marking her first-ever experience as an artist-in-residence.
“The open call for the Lumo Light Festival residency was perfect for me. Over the past three years, I’ve focused solely on creating my art, and earlier this year, my light sculptures were exhibited in France for the first time. However, I had never participated in a residency before, so I decided to apply. The opportunity to show my works at Lumo has exceeded all my expectations”, Simutytė says.
The 15 light sculptures she created during her residency were featured prominently in the festival, transforming Raksila’s Paavo Rintala park into a glowing spectacle. This collaboration between the City of Oulu’s Event Services and Valve Neighbourhood Culture Services formed part of Lumo’s regional program.
”Everything was well-organized – from accommodation to workspaces and access to materials. The residency allowed me to create sculptures on a scale that would have been difficult to achieve back in home – at least transferring the sculptures from Lithuania would have been a challenge”, she notes.
Inspiration from cycling and snow
During her residency, Simutytė worked in Pikisaari, her favorite spot in Oulu, where she also embraced the local way of life.
”Pikisaari combines unique architecture and nature, it’s one of my favourite places in Oulu. I also love cycling and was glad to have my own bike. I’ve ridden it every day. In Oulu, I’ve seen more cyclists than pedestrians – no matter what the weather!”, Simutytè laughs.
Rūta Simutytė worked on her light sculptures in Pikisaari. Photo: Hanna Jakku
Oulu’s commitment to sustainable transportation and its stunning natural environment deeply inspired her work, regardless of the season.
“I visited Oulu a few years ago in September when the streets were covered in golden-yellow leaves. This time, I’ve enjoyed every snowy moment – well, except for the snowstorm just before the Lumo Light Festival, which delayed the construction of my works until very last minute”, she admits.
”Still, I’ve grown to love the lifestyle of Oulu’s people and hope my light sculptures can encourage others to connect with nature, as they’re inspired by the environment”, she adds.
The highlight of Simutytė’s residency was undoubtedly the Lumo Light Festival, which once again drew approximately 100,000 visitors to experience light installations across the city.
Looking ahead, the next CreArt program will take place in May, launching the European Month of Creativity for the second time. This event will run simultaneously in 13 other European cities, continuing to celebrate the transformative power of art.