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Dear friends, supporters, and fellow art enthusiasts,
My name is Petri Lehtinen. I am a theater director and multidisciplinary artist based in Helsinki, Finland. In my art I transform what makes me uncomfortable, anxious, angry or afraid into something that doesn’t. I aim at creating beauty without dismissing what is ugly. I construct light mandalas from implements I use to manage my diabetes.
I’m thrilled to share that I’ve been selected — among nine other artists of diverse artistic disciplines and cultural backgrounds — for a year-long art fellowship at La SOURCE in Bretagne, France.
The TEMENOS art fellowship is part artistic practice, part research — conducted alone, together, and alone together with fellowship fellows. The word ”fellow”, from old English, means ”one who shares with another”.
Mandala Duet
The word "mandala" is Sanskrit for circle, center and connection. Mandala Duet is a creative act between two artists. The process is improvisatory, intimate and infinitely intriguing. It is a physical, mental, and social act that transforms former trash into present day treasure, a work of art.
Mandala Factory — where Mandala Duets are created — is a hybrid of an exhibition, an open studio and a sanctuary. The person visiting the factory completes the work. Everyone can see themselves in the mandala.
My plan is to create a Mandala Duet with a willing fellow each month documenting the process via short films as part of my artistic research — resulting in twelve Mandala Duets and films.
Why I need your support
Art funding is under immense pressure worldwide. Finland is no exception. Government cuts threaten the diversity of our cultural flora and fauna. This said, I believe that the grant applications I am submitting this autumn will yield financing for the second half of the fellowship. I need your help to cover critical costs for the first six months.
Mandala Factory production costs for each mandala: €650 (including building materials, outsourced carpentry & electrical work, LED light system, museum glass, logistics, Mandala Factory events and mandala films — not including creative work).
Monthly minimum living expenses: €950 (including fellowship fees, food, office supplies, phone, travel, insurance, etc).
Total need for six months: €9,600€
Why does this matter
We are currently faced with a grim reality as the gaps between worlds are widening. A Mandala Duet is a way to build bridges, not by imposing unity, but celebrating — and taking advantage of — what makes us different, unique. It's a physical manifestation of the idea that ”opposite of war is not peace, it’s creation”. With Mandala Factory events and mandala films I am able to share the creative act so it may become resource for all. Your support, in consequence, can create a ripple effect that reaches beyond the fellowship.
Thank you for believing in my quest. Your support means the world.
With gratitude,
Petri Lehtinen
Mandala Factory
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