Heikki W. Virolainen: Economic Balance, 1982. © Photo: HAM Helsinki Art Museum Taloudellinen Tasapaino / Economic Balance Artist Heikki W. Virolainen , Helsinki The piece was originally commissioned and owned by the now-defunct STS-Bank, but, after several mergers, is now the property of Merita Bank. Virolainen’s commission was based on a sculpture competition STS arranged and his entry won. The entry was entitled Shuttle, by which name Economic Balance is also known. The idea and the name derive from an earlier work exhibited in Virolainen’s first show, of which he made two versions in the 80s. The work was inspired by Picasso’s painting of a guitar player; Economic Balance is suggestive of ideas and shapes in a manner very similar to music. It has great personal significance for Virolainen as his wife died and he became a single father at the time of its completion. The work doesn’t belong to the City of Helsinki’s art collection, which is managed by HAM. Read more.. At map
