Saara Ekström: Refrain

When the city wanted to renew the Vähätori Square, an art fence was commissioned from artist Saara Ekström (b.1965). The purpose of the fence was to separate the Square from the busy Linnankatu. Kertosäe (Refrain) is 14 metres long and acts as a border for the atmospheric area in front of the Old City Library.

The sculpture was commissioned by the city’s real estate service, and it is made from durable corten steel. The material is heavy and industrial, but the symmetrical rose ornaments piercing the steel plate give the sculpture a delicate overall look.

The initial inspiration for Kertosäe was the space in the heart of historical Turku. Ekström included elements of the area’s older sculptures Ajan Virtaan (Flow of Time) and Leijona-suihkukaivo (Lion Fountain) in her work. Ekström also designed the sculpture Alkukirjain (First Letter) which is located on the second floor of the City Library and has the artist’s signature organic plant and flower motifs.