Sculpture by Pauno Pohjolainen remains neglected in abandoned school in Oulu

A significant sculpture by esteemed Finnish artist Pauno Pohjolainen, titled “Puhti,” was unveiled in Oulu in 1999. The ceremony featured prominent guests, including Eeva Ahtisaari and then-President Martti Ahtisaari, who attended to celebrate the opening of the new electronics training center at the North Finland Industrial School, marking the institution’s 25th anniversary. The grand wooden relief was commissioned from the award-winning artist specifically for the occasion.

However, since the establishment moved from Hietasaari approximately three years ago, the “Puhti” sculpture has remained in the abandoned hall of the former industrial school, which has fallen into disrepair. Recent incidents of vandalism have severely impacted the building’s interior, leading to shattered windows and graffiti on the walls. While the artwork has survived the worst of this damage, parts of it have either fallen or been knocked to the ground.

Pohjolainen expressed his shock upon learning that the sculpture had been left in the rundown building. He laments the conditions that suggest a lack of regard for culture or art in Finland and indicates he would have preferred to be contacted regarding its status.

The city of Oulu has since acquired the building and is preparing for its demolition. However, the sculpture was sold to a property investment company earlier this year, although the new owner has yet to retrieve it. Oikarinen, the CEO of Pohto, confirmed the ongoing search for a suitable placement for the artwork, noting that they had offered it to the Oulu Art Museum but without success. Pohjolainen hopes the new owner will reach out to him to facilitate the sculpture’s relocation and restoration.