Eeva-Kaisa Ailus & Eliya Zweygberg
TOYS & TALES

In the “Toys & Tales” exhibition, the works of Eeva-Kaisa Ailus and Eliya Zweygberg create a
world where viewers may be surprised by their own smiles, a childhood memory that comes
to mind, or find themselves pondering the human tendency to exploit other species. Amidst
an aesthetically balanced whole, Ailus and Zweygberg subtly present stories that, at first
glance, appear to be depictions of toys in paintings and sculptures, but gradually begin to
unfold in layers.

Eeva-Kaisa Ailus is a visual artist from Fiskars who has held solo exhibitions and
participated in group exhibitions since 1986. She is known for her highly personal and
narrative paintings and photographs, which most often deal with her immediate
surroundings.

The distinctive, raw aesthetic of the colorful paintings on display reflects her sense of humor
and her love of stories. Eeva-Kaisa’s laughter and light footsteps echo in the exhibition’s
toy-themed works, set in a world full of wonders, beauty, and treasures waiting to be
discovered.

Ailus’s niece, Eliya Zweygberg, is a Helsinki-based sculptor whose works explore
interspecies relationships, the social status of other species, and humanity’s dominant
position in relation to other species.

Zweygberg’s colorful, toy-like mixed-media sculptures particularly emphasize the theme of
objectification directed at the Other. Personal experiences, the depths of the mind, and
social issues intertwine in her works, at times tinged with humor.

Zweygberg’s primary materials are various metal meshes and iron wires, from which he
constructs multi-layered sculptures around a steel support frame. In addition to ethical
questions, the works reflect Zweygberg’s childhood, memories of beloved toys, an interest in
animal anatomy, and a sense of humor.