Lyijykynille

Lyijykynille is a Finnish term that roughly translates to "Lead Paint" in English. It is a colossus, an oversized and abstract aluminium sculpture designed by Finnish artist Veijo Rönkkönen and located in Lappeenranta, Finland.

The sculpture was created in 1976 and stands at a height of approximately 4 meters. It features a woman's face made entirely of lead pellets, giving it its distinctive and ominous appearance. Lyijykynille was commissioned by the Lappeenranta Municipality to commemorate Finland's contribution to the Dioxid Group, a group of artists who had a groundbreaking collaboration in the field of art in the 1960s.

The sculpture is an example of the kinetic art and nature-inspired art movements of the 1970s. It is also notable for its industrial and technological approach to artistic expression, using recycled industrial materials. Lyijykynille has undergone several preservation and restoration efforts to ensure its stability and protect it from the elements.

Today, Lyijykynille stands as a symbol of industrial culture, becoming an iconic landmark in Lappeenranta. Visitors can see it in the city center of Lappeenranta, and it has also inspired various interpretations and references in art, culture, and literature. The sculpture's lifelike portrayal of a figure using industrial lead materials questions the relationship between humans, technology, and the natural environment. The sculptor's use of controversial materials also sparks debates about the contextual values of art pieces.