Hong Liu-Sertti - The Forest of Kalevala

To Liu-Sertti the characters of Kalevala represent humane and imperfect heroes – unlike in Chinese tradition where heroic depiction is more ideal. She sees epic as an ancient form of collective memory, a constantly changing tale into which every person brings their own views and experiences. As a Finnish epic poetry Kalevala depicts Finnish characteristics. Liu-Sertti says that from the epic she found many character traits typical to Finnish people.

Chinese cultural heritage and philosophy are important aspects in the worldview and art of Liu-Sertti. She constantly ponders the differencies and similarities of Chinese and Western culture and art. Her works combine, on one hand, the Chinese ideal of inner piece and, on the other, the Western outward-looking, exploratory ethos.

The events of Kalevala have gained new meanings from Chinese colour symbolism and the philosphical theory of the Five Elements that emerged already in 300 BC and has still an important role in Chinese culture. Each element – fire, earth, metal, wood, water – has its own cardinal direction, season, colour and meaning. The Chinese colour theory is a central part of Liu-Sertti's work, but the Finnish nature and bold use of colour have influenced her to reconsider the expressive power of colours.