An artwork aimed at children will entice them to swing and climb at Riihimäki Power Plant in June

The Hameen Hurmos installation consists of a nearly 3-meter-high and 4-meter-wide
a skirt that you can climb into, crawl under, and lie down on, dragging
in the folds. By climbing up from the front of the work, Hameen can finally “put on” herself and
View the world from Hamee's high perspective. A friend below can snap a picture as a keepsake.

The work is the work of Riihimäki costume designers and artists Aino Simola and Henna Elomaa. They want to bring new perspectives to the social and cultural meanings of clothing with their works. The work was made locally at Lavasteverstas Graniitti in Riihimäki.

The idea for a skirt that is larger than life size came about when Elomaa and Simola were discussing the clothing of their own kindergarten-age children and the expectations that the environment places on children's clothing and activities. "Skirts and dresses in particular carry with them a strict set of norms and historical baggage, which is related to both the gender of the person wearing the skirt and the activities that it is appropriate and desirable to perform while wearing a skirt," Simola reflects. With their work, the artists want to question and dismantle these norms and give the skirt the opportunity to be seen as an opportunity instead of a restriction. On the installation's opening day, June 14.6, the work will celebrate gender diversity and freedom of expression as part of Riihimäki Pride. Simola and Elomaa believe it is important that children's right to an equal and non-discriminatory society is also highlighted.

The work also has a historical dimension. A crinoline is a petticoat made of hoops, which was used to support the large upper-class skirts of the late 1800th century. These skirts greatly restricted the movement and activity of their wearers. It was difficult to fit through doors or sit in a crinoline, running was difficult, not to mention climbing over a fence. Even getting dressed required an assistant. In the installation The Pleasure of a Skirt, the relationship between the skirt and agency is examined from a new perspective through holistic corporeality. “We want to ask what the Skirt attracts and encourages? What kind of being and expression does it enable? And who can wear the Skirt?” Elomaa and Simola say.

The installation "Hameen Hurmos" can be experienced at Riihimäki Power Plant from 14 to 20.6.2024 June 4. The installation's target group is children aged 8–XNUMX and their close circle of adults. However, participation in the work is possible regardless of age.

Open:
14.-20.6.2024. Fri-Sun and Tue-Thu 12–18, (Mon 17.6 closed)

Address: Riihimäen Voimala, Paloheimonkatu 2. Right next to Riihimäki train station.

For more information:
Aino Simola, tel. 045 1276 266, aino.simola@gmail.com, www.ainosimola.com, IG: @inariaino
Henna Elomaa, tel. +041 5029 80 XNUMX