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Pekka Kauhanen's artwork wins Winter War Memorial competition

Ministry of Education and Culture
Publication date 11.12.2013 8.00
Press release -

The winner of the Winter War Memorial competition is the entry by artist Pekka Kauhanen. The judging committee felt that Kauhanen?s proposal was a thought-provoking and novel type of war memorial that succeeds in symbolising the character and tenor of the Winter War period. The theme and size of the proposal make it a persuasive piece of artwork. The use of light as part of the memorial is to be applauded, and the pedestal with a crevice in it is an interesting approach. The placement of the memorial on Kasarmitori square projects a firm stance.

From the 258 proposals submitted in the early spring, six proposals were selected for the second and final stage of the competition. The six contestants were Abel Groenewolt (architect), Pekka Kauhanen (sculptor), Olli Mantere (sculptor) and Anssi Pulkkinen (sculptor), and Kai van der Puij (architect) together with Timo Ripatti (desginer) with a joint proposal.

All proposals submitted for the competition will be displayed in an exhibition in Kamppi, Helsinki (Runeberginkatu 4 C) between 12 and 14 December 2013.

The initiative for a Winter War memorial came from Talvisotayhdistys ry (the Winter War Association). President Martti Ahtisaari is the patron of the project.

The Ministry of Education and Culture together with the Prime Minister?s Office, the Ministry of Defence,the Defence Command, the City of Helsinki, the Winter War Association, the Mint of Finland and veteran organisations are all represented in the Winter War Memorial Committee.

Inquiries:
- Riitta Kaivosoja, Director General, Chair of the judging committee, tel. +358 295 3 30129, [email protected]
- Ilkka Kouri, Secretary of the Memorial Committee, tel. +358 40 5048900, email: [email protected]

http://www.minedu.fi/winterwar

www.talvisota.fi/talvisotayhdistys