Mari Keto, Magical Reality

Magical Reality, is a dive into the world of Mari Keto. It is a cross-section of Keto’s body of work over the last 15 years. Multiple materials and profound social themes meet in Keto’s art. In her work, she combines precious materials such as diamonds, crystals and pearls with recycled materials. The works are situated between sculpture and jewellery in an area that emphasises their physicality and tactility. The skilful craftsmanship and sophisticated combination of materials make the works unique and surprising.

Keto’s work draws heavily on research in a variety of fields. She approaches the subjects from many angles, in order to finally define her own vision. Key themes include ecological balance and the relationship between humans and their environment. Keto’s work addresses issues such as inter-generational responsibility and the consequences of consumption. The gap between people’s values and their actions appears to be huge. She mixes humour and irony with a realistic approach.

There is also a sense of natural mysticism in her works, which stems from the artist’s early experiences in Finnish nature. Childhood games in the forests of Jaala still define Keto’s world view. She has understood its particular importance by examining the connection with nature from the pulse of the metropolis.

Mari Keto (b. 1975) lives and works in Copenhagen. She completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree at LAB University of Applied Sciences in Lappeenranta 2021–2022. Keto graduated from the Copenhagen Institute of Precious Metals in 2008. She also studied for a jewellery and metal artisan diploma at Pirkanmaa Vocational College, a metal artisan diploma at Lahti Institute of Arts and Crafts and special techniques at the Sámi Regional Training Centre. In 2012, Keto was invited to create a portrait of HM Queen Margrethe II. Mari Keto has participated in numerous exhibitions since 2006 and her works are part of many important private collections.

Photo by Mari Keto, Essence of the Nature, from the series Untamed, 2017, mixed technique. Photo by Iban Kaufmann.