Ukri Merikanto showed his exceptional talent immediately after completing his studies at the School of the Fine Arts Academy of Finland in the early 1970s. Even at that time, the great and visually important themes of his often sheet-like sculptures made from polished steel were clear, consistent and absolutely personal.
As a descendant of the notable composers Oskar and Aarre Merikanto, Ukri Merikanto was also musically talented and extremely cultured.
The theme and its variations or the mass and spaces in sculpture are the object of an endless and diverse variation in all Ukri Merikanto’s works, in all stages of his production.
The plasticity and dynamism of the stone sculptures of the last few decades and their magical ability to occupy the surrounding open space and make it an important part of the sculpture resemble a cantata by Bach: the sculpture resonates and echoes.
Ukri Merikanto’s production includes works ranging from large public works to statuettes. What they all have in common is their purity of form and intelligent, vibrant power.