KWUM ceramic museum winter exhibition

sun 8.11. – sun 28.3.2027

KWUM WINTER 2026/27

8 November 2026 – 28 March 2027

RU RUNEBERG – MINUSCULE

“I have worked as a metal designer and silversmith for more than 30 years. My artistic practice focuses primarily on creating unique, sculptural silver vessels, known as corpus objects, for solo and group exhibitions in Finland and across Europe.

In my work, I strive to combine sculptural form and functionality in an innovative and progressive way. My aim is to spark interest in this ancient craft tradition by focusing on the vessel itself, the corpus, such as objects designed to hold liquids.

I want to offer viewers visually striking and sculptural silver objects that also contain something unexpected or surprising, often in the form of a hidden function within the object. I frequently draw inspiration from nature, especially insects, when creating my silver sculptures. I enjoy adding a touch of humour by incorporating contemporary phenomena and everyday events into my work, and I often combine silver with glass.

Glass became part of my artistic practice during my studies at Konstfack University of Arts, Crafts and Design in Stockholm, when I worked as an intern at the Nuutajärvi Glassworks under the guidance of Oiva Toikka and Markku Salo.

As a designer and silversmith, I strive for artistic growth by continuously challenging myself throughout the creative process.”

THE YOUNG ONES

Dick Weckström designed spice jars at the age of 12, and this year Sirpa Weckström designed the PINO candleholders.

Alec Weckström has designed and produced several versions of the sculpture ONE, including lighting fixtures and a unique table.

Kevin Weckström has designed and produced unique interpretations of DINO, while Kia Widnäs created the VÄRME sauna thermometers.

KARIN WIDNÄS – CONSTRUCTION

A groundbreaking vision throughout Widnäs’s career has been the integration of ceramics, bricks, tiles, and architecture. Ceramics are suitable not only for walls but also as part of urban infrastructure. One example is Kimono, the ceramic cladding of the chimney belonging to a new wastewater filtration system at a pumping station in Turku.

The exhibition presents various wall surface solutions. During the renovation of the historic Yrjönkatu Swimming Hall in Helsinki, the small pool was fitted with crystalline-glazed tiles produced by Karin, matching the original tiles once manufactured in the Czech Republic. An example of these glazes is featured in the relief “The Four Seasons” displayed at KWUM’s summer exhibition.

In 2024, Karin Widnäs collaborated with another artist for the first time. Goldsmith and sculptor Björn Weckström, at the age of 90, wanted to explore the possibilities of ceramics. The result was a collection of delicate, small golden objects and figures. Both artists were captivated by Karin’s GOLDEN RAKU technique, as well as by their shared enthusiasm for life and enduring curiosity about new techniques and possibilities.

The Baltic Sea, with all its challenges, has been an endless source of inspiration for Karin Widnäs. The Magic Islands wish-box collection continually evolves, now through new glazing techniques. Looking toward the future is the John Nurminen Foundation’s work to protect the Baltic Sea. Oil-spill prevention efforts are supported by bolts anchored into coastal rock formations for securing containment booms.