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“I use challenging materials like clay, silk, metal, and glass to evoke feelings and meanings. For instance, ceramics may point to the culture I’m assumed to come from, silk to the commercialization of the exotic, and glass to fragility.”

Yau’s works have been exhibited both nationally and internationally, in countries such as England, Sweden, and Japan. Currently, her pieces can be seen at the Pitted Dates gallery in Helsinki and in a collection exhibition opening in February at Kiasma, the Museum of Contemporary Art.

The goal of the Young Artist of the Year award is to support internationally promising Finnish artists under the age of 35. It has already been highlighting new Finnish contemporary art for four decades.

Helander holds a Master’s degree in Philosophy from the University of Turku, majoring in art studies, and has also studied graphic design at UCLA in Los Angeles. Her professional journey has revolved around books, art, and form.

“Surfaces, light, and atmosphere create signs, and the mind assigns meanings. My design is based on aesthetics and sustainability, curiosity, and a fundamental interest in the relationships, origins, and narratives of things,” Helander describes.

The award committee noted that they wanted to reward a distinguished professional whose work naturally extends beyond the traditional boundaries of graphic design.

“Päivi Helander achieves this without falling into generalism. At the same time, she keeps traditional, skill-based, tactile design in the spotlight. As it becomes increasingly easier and more automated to produce beautiful surfaces, the value of meticulous, detail-oriented design work stands out even more.”