Mayor’s Choice Artist Award Recipient Reception: Piro Berg

Pirjo Berg's artwork is a captivating fusion of her Finnish heritage, deep appreciation for landscapes, and profound fascination with geology. Through her art, she seamlessly weaves together elements from her childhood, such as traditional Finnish decorations like striped rugs and woven hangings, which imbue her work with layers of nostalgia and longing. As an immigrant distanced from her homeland, Pirjo's longing for the past is palpable in her paintings, watercolors, and clay work, where she endeavors to encapsulate the essence of geological time and the ephemeral nature of memories.

In her exploration of geological formations, Pirjo masterfully translates the vastness of geological time into tangible forms, skillfully capturing the intricate essence of strata in her paintings and clay work. Her lines exhibit a unique dynamism, at times appearing nervous and diagonally adrift, while clusters of electric blue color evoke imagery ranging from glaciers to vast oceans. Through her signature lines, Pirjo conjures up vivid depictions of nature's forces, from swirling clouds to crashing waves, creating a visual symphony akin to seismographic vibrations.

While Pirjo's style leans towards the more traditional and European, she avoids appropriation, instead channeling a pastoral and romantic sensibility inspired by the natural world. Her art becomes a form of visual music, resonating with viewers through its evocative portrayal of nature's beauty and the passage of time. Through Pirjo Berg's artwork, viewers are invited to embark on a journey of reflection and contemplation, connecting with their memories and the timeless rhythms of the earth.

Pirjo Berg was born in Helsinki, Finland. In 2000, she received her BFA from the School of Art and Media, Tampere, Finland. The same year she established her studio practice in Seattle, WA. In 2005, she graduated from the Artists Trust EDGE-Program. She now lives in Grand Forks, ND.

Location: Grand Forks City Hall - 255 North 4th Street

More Info: www.publicartnd.org