Suomen ylioppilaiden taideyhdistys (the Finnish students’ art society) deposited today already the tenth work to be housed at the premises of the National Union of University Students in Finland (SYL). The society’s board selected the painting in spring 2025 from among the works of the artists who graduated from the Academy of Fine Arts of the University of the Arts Helsinki. This year’s work has been painted by artist Lassi Kontiainen and its title is Malja (a chalice).

The mood of the small painting is meditative and its colours are light. The painting appears almost abstract and has a shape of a chalice in its centre. A chalice is one the richest symbols and it can be viewed through both religion and culture, as well as the history of humanity. A chalice is the source of life.

The work by Kontiainen can be interpreted in the context of esoteric art. It is an attempt to portray the invisible reality and spiritual experiences. The painting depicts cosmic order containing a universally understandable symbol. The energy of the work is based on muted colours. A white stripe surrounding the work is like a frame that protects the energy.

“We consider it important that the student actors’ premises showcase real art that both provokes thoughts and creates more attractive a space. At the same time, we want to remind people that Uniarts Helsinki is an important part of the domain of Finnish universities”, the chairperson of the society, Lauri Pakkanen, explains the deposition.

“It is great that our active alumni from the Finnish students’ art society ensure that SYL’s premises feature high-quality art, and that there are regular additions to the collection”, says SYL’s Secretary General Roope Tukia.

Further information:

Chair of Suomen ylioppilaiden taideyhdistys Lauri Pakkanen +358 50 522 7797
Vice-chair of Suomen ylioppilaiden taideyhdistys Kati Isoaho +358 44 259 9300
SYL’s Secretary General Roope Tukia +358 45 135 4314