Korkeila boldly breaks through boundaries in both the content of his paintings and drawings and his treatment of the tradition of painting. The main subject is the body. The artist confronts the viewer with images of the phallus, causing an uncomfortable feeling and disgust. His works express a bizarre sense of humour, balancing on the border between imagination and reality, exploring male sexuality with a dose of cynicism and sincerity that we rarely experience. Drawings and watercolours have a strong way of expression, both in colour and structure. Since the spatial concept is important in the presentation of works, the artist often, as was the case here, spreads the contents from the paper to the walls, and it is often a complete visual experience. The works were exhibited at the 53^rd October Salon.

© Cultural Centre of Belgrade, the October Salon Collection and the artist
Gift Contract:
Inventory No. 204
Photo: Milan Kralj, installation view 53^rd October Salon, Ana Kostić

Jukka Korkeila’s spatial installation was made as a site-specific work in the building of the former Geozavod, at the 53^rd October Salon in Belgrade. In order to find a catalyst for his creative process, during his stay in Belgrade, he set out in search of a spiritual advisor – someone with paranormal abilities to talk to the “dead”. The research led the artist through numerous mysterious encounters and interesting dialogues that directed him to perform, as he himself said, a non-physical work in the premises of the Geodetic Institute. The spatial installation Lux Lucem Sequitur in the closed space-time continuum of the Geodetic Institute, showed scenes in the corner of the eye and silent echoes penetrating through the porous veil between the physical and spiritual worlds.
Jukka Korkeila’s work made in situ, like other works at the exhibition, sought to establish a relationship between the notion of space (physical and social) – as an existing and static state, and place – as temporary, changeable and dependent on social processes. Most artworks made in situ without a desire to spectacularize or commodify the space, provided a situated and motivated visual and conceptual commentary on their own physical, perceptual and narrative characteristics.

© Cultural Centre of Belgrade, the October Salon Collection and the artist
Gift Contract:
Inventory No. 205
Photo: installation view 53^rd October Salon, Ana Kostić

Selected Bibliography:
53^rd October Salon, Good Life: Physical Narratives and Spatial Imaginations. Cultural Centre of Belgrade, 2012