Poetry of Circulation

In his Poetry of Circulation series, Parantainen uses anonymous graphic art from the 18th and 19th century, which he has been collecting for more than 30 years, combining them with words and concepts drawn from art history, music titles, and other cultural references. Connecting these words to various parts of the image through the use of pins and taut brass wires, he maps the visual space, creating tension throughout the work.

His fascination with cables and strings traces back to his teenage years, when he developed a passion for building scale models of large ships. He was captivated by the intricate rigging and masts—elements that were not merely decorative but functional. In his own work, the wires become an essential visual component, emphasizing tension, function, and minute details. The pins not only serve as anchor points for the wires, but also introduce a visceral quality to the surface of the works, evoking sensations of stinging or stabbing.

Parantainen reinterprets the original illustrations with dark humor, satire, and irony. His work engages deeply with cultural and art history, touching on political and social themes, and reflects a strong interest in everything that lies beyond the everyday. His references range widely, from cinema to biblical imagery.