Veijo Rönkkönen

The sculpture park of Veijo Rönkkönen in remote eastern Finland is perhaps the most important ensemble of contemporary folk art in the country. The first work of sculpture by this paper mill worker was completed in 1961; today his yard is filled with over 450 statues in cement, including over 200 self-portraits in yoga positions (representing all the positions the near-hermit has tried.) The garden itself is part of the artwork, with exotic plants and sound effects, produced by loudspeakers hidden inside the sculptures. The artist has never allowed his works to be exhibited, much less sold. On the few occasions he has been asked to show his work, Rönkkönen has always insisted on discussing the matter with the statues first but they have never wanted to travel.