Rut Bryk

And now for something completely different: Let me introduce you Rut Bryk (1919-1999). She was a major figure in Finnish ceramic art. I’m making an exception here by introducing an artist who has already passed away, but who was also relatively well-known, at least in Finland. However, the majority of Finns may not necessarily be familiar with her, although they certainly should be.

I personally consider myself a great admirer of Rut Bryk. Her visionary work was truly in a class of its own, and the scope of her production is astonishing. Rut Bryk is also the first artist I’m writing about who was not primarily a painter. She created her abstract works in ceramics, though her production also included illustrations and textile design.

Abstract reliefs

Since Rut Bryk’s career was long, her work went through different phases. During her figurative period, she explored themes such as architecture and mythology. What resonates most with me, however, is her phase in which she worked on abstract, geometric wall reliefs, particularly during the 1960s to 1980s.

In these ceramic reliefs, modernism and abstraction engage in conversation. Something in my soul strongly resonates with her compositions of form and color. In them, I find echoes of the 1950s jazz scene, but just as much – and this may sound odd – a sense of 1960s and 1970s sci-fi. The clean geometric shapes are combined with beautiful color harmonies. The level of detail is immense.

Rut Bryk’s husband, Tapio Wirkkala, was also a renowned Finnish designer – one of the greatest. His work can still be seen in many Finnish homes, in art glass pieces, bottles, banknotes, cutlery, and vases. He was a multiple winner at the Milan Triennial.

Rut Bryk’s legacy lives

By all standards, Rut Bryk was a major international artist. Her legacy lives on in her vast body of work, some of which can be seen in prominent locations in Finland. Some pieces are owned by museums, while others are in private collections. If you ever have the chance to see her works in your hometown – or even within a reasonable distance – I highly recommend that you go. Your world will surely be enriched.

Links:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rut_Bryk

https://taide.art/teokset/lt1QygCCHUO2Sz-1lcDZeA/Puu

https://www.bukowskis.com/fi/bukipedia/12631-rut-bryk