Ola KOLEHMAINEN (*1964, Finland) Hagia Sophia 537 AD XI, 2014 C-print mounted on composite sheet in Artist Frame Sheet 140 x 175 cm (55 1/8 x 68 7/8 in.) Edition of 4, plus 2 AP; Ed. no. 1/4 Framed print About Sacred Places: With the series 'Sacred Places' Kolehmainen has shifted away from his traditional minimalism, and expanded into a complex approach dealing with space, light, and colour. The series depicts ancient churches, synagogues and mosques reminding us of the interwoven history of the religions they represent. In addition to their historical dimension, the artist probes the buildings’ architectural volumes and light ratios: the buildings’ interiors and structural details reveal the changing light of days and seasons. The photographs’ textured ornamentation reflects historical layers and decorative interiors. Space and light are masterfully handled in Kolehmainen’s images to successfully capture the sublime essence of these historic buildings. About Ola Kolehmainen: Ola Kolehmainen, one of the most prominent artists of the "Helsinki School", graduated in 1999 as a master student at the University of Arts and Design in Helsinki (now Aalto University School of Arts, Design and Architecture). His work specifically deals with contemporary architecture. Focused on the basic structure of architectural facades and interiors, on the strictly geometric arrangement of the serial (building) form, Kolehmainen creates almost abstract images whose aesthetic roots lie in minimalism. Distracting details, which the photographer calls "visual noise", are removed. However, there are elements that repeatedly emerge and undermine the concept of a clear order structure: a tree cut at the edge of the picture, whose branches cover part of the facade, or mirror facades that reflect a fragmented glance at the outer world. The "Helsinki School", one of the most exciting art movements in contemporary photography, cannot be illustrated by a particular style, nationality or formal quality, but by a unique way of looking at things. Members of the "Helsinki School" are primarily conceptual artists who use a camera or photosensitive material to express their artistic work. Furthermore, their location close to the Arctic Circle with exceptional light conditions and the unique social culture created by long days and nights are unique. – Ola Kolehmainen, Colour Photography, Abstract, Graphis, Structure, Pattern, Minimalistic, Futurism, Constructivism, Minimalism, Conceptual, Contemporary, Helsinki School, Experimental, Architecture, Geometry