New Environmental Artwork “Tuulivaroitus” (Wind Warning) unveiled in Puumala!
The inauguration of Puumala’s newest landmark took place on Saturday, June 7th, at 11:00 AM at the intersection of Keskustie and Highway 62 — the gateway to Puumala’s town center. The unveiling program included opening remarks by Municipal Manager Niina Kuuva, an interview with the artist Matti Kalkamo, a speech from council member Laura Pitkonen representing the competition jury, and saxophone music performed by Lauri Ranki.
The highlight of the event was when entrepreneur Antti Kasanen lifted Municipal Manager Niina Kuuva up in a hoist to reveal the bronze sculpture defying gravity atop a tall pillar. The figure stands at the top of a steel pole tilted at a 2% angle. The red and black coloring of the pillar resembles a maritime daymark warning of nearby rocks.
Inspiration and Artistic Vision
Artist Matti Kalkamo drew inspiration from Puumala and Lake Saimaa:
“There can be some pretty strong gusts of wind out here. That idea simmered in my subconscious and eventually turned into a vision. I got really fired up about it — the work had humor and raised the question: could this actually be done? Then I started discussing it with the foundry, and the project began to take shape.”
Many have asked whose face appears on the sculpture or whether it depicts a real person. The artist confirms: the character is entirely fictional.
“There’s no instruction manual for what you’re supposed to see in it. If everything is spoon-fed, then what’s the point? I think art should leave space for personal reflection. Whether you like it or not, art’s job isn’t to be a propaganda tool. I hope this piece becomes a landmark for locals and a part of our cultural identity — something we might be proud of one day.”
According to Municipal Manager Niina Kuuva, both the artwork and artist Matti Kalkamo are now a permanent part of Puumala.
The groundwork was carried out by local entrepreneur Antti Kasanen, and the municipal execution was led by Technical Director Kimmo Hagman. Thanks are also due to the entire working group and the competition jury.
About the Artwork
- Design: Matti Kalkamo
- Material: Bronze sculpture, approx. 180 cm tall
- Pillar: Colored to resemble a nautical daymark
- Height: 8 meters, tilt: 2 degrees
- Steel pillar: Tehomet Oy
- Casting: Kirsi Siponen, “Tanssiva taidevalaja”
- Groundwork: Puumalan Maansiirto ja Metsätyö
- Total cost: €85,000 (of which €50,000 funded by the Finnish Arts Promotion Centre)
- Completion date: June 7, 2025
Location:
Environmental Artwork “Tuulivaroitus” (Wind Warning)
Intersection of Keskustie and Highway 62, near the edge of Hiisipelto
Puumala Environmental Art Competition
The Municipality of Puumala organized an open competition to find an environmental artwork to enhance the main entrance to the town. The competition ran from August 23, 2023, to January 18, 2024.
The aim was to find a piece that highlights Puumala’s unique character and enlivens the intersection of Highway 62 and Keskustie, welcoming visitors year-round. The selected location aligns with the town’s general development plan and the proposed “art trail.”
Evaluation Criteria
- Highlighting Puumala’s distinctiveness
- Enhancing the visual appeal and vitality of the area
- Cultural and ecological sustainability
- Feasibility of execution
- Artistic vision
Over 50 entries were submitted. The jury evaluated the submissions anonymously on March 4, 2024, after which a public vote was held for a “people’s choice.”
Thanks to a €50,000 special grant from the Finnish Arts Promotion Centre for cultural development in sparsely populated rural areas, and municipal co-funding, the competition was made possible.
Winners
1st Prize (€10,000): Tuulivaroitus by sculptor Matti Kalkamo
The jury unanimously selected Tuulivaroitus for implementation, describing it as a humorous and insightful piece that evokes multiple interpretations and emotions. The sculpture reflects both the vulnerability of humans to nature’s forces and the resilience of staying grounded — symbolizing Puumala’s own attraction and retention strength as a municipality and vacation destination. The jury appreciated the sculpture’s impactful height and its airy, lightweight appearance.
2nd Prize (€4,000): Saimaan vedet by architect Jaakko Heikkilä
The form of the piece harmonizes with Puumala’s Saimaa Lighthouse light installation. It carries lightness, poetry, and movement, and invites viewers to experience it from within.
3rd Prize (€2,000) + Public Vote Winner: Tukinuitto by architectural duo Jesse Kitinoja and Joel Stenroos
This piece connects deeply with the cultural history of Lake Saimaa and contemporary life in Puumala. The spatial design is successful, and the sculpture has a rugged, dynamic feel. The area encourages movement and playful engagement from viewers.
The artwork was realized during 2024–2025.
Photos of the area & entries are available in the Municipality of Puumala’s Image Bank.
The competition program was approved by the Finnish Artists’ Association on August 10, 2023.
