Paper dolls – Aulis Harmaala

Paper dolls project started in Konttori gallery, Hämeenlinna. Paper dolls are figures cut out of paper or thin card, with separate clothes, also made of paper, that are usually held onto the dolls by paper folding tabs. In the exhibition, this project is a painting installation in which the public is allowed to participate. The project continues. I am working on new paintings and planning opportunities to work together with the public.

In my oil paintings, I seek a more versatile, even political, approach to the expression of the paper doll. Instead of a thin paper-likeness, I paint thick layers of color with strong brushstrokes. I explore my own attitudes. I reflect on identities, ideals of beauty, and cultural differences. The characters, costumes, and masks in my paintings are for the viewer to think about: what emotions are evoked, what kinds of roles are considered possible? Sometimes I cut the paper doll out of the painting base so that I can attach it to different backgrounds and environments.I invite the audience to draw and paint with me. In the events, the audience has discussed issues related to age, body, fashion and gender. The audience’s participation is concretely presented in the exhibition space.

Oil paintings depicting paper dolls inspire the audience to make paper dolls alongside the paintings. The artist’s and the audience’s works are placed side by side, or they comment on each other. The exhibition space may also have its own canvases for the audience to attach their paper dolls to. There is a desk, drawing supplies, paper and scissors for the audience. The artist sometimes works together with the audience, but the public can participate at any time while the exhibition is open.