Artist’s Statement

"Despite having grown up in a small rural village, I was interested in art history more than to anything else. My first passion was Italian art, which is still reflected in my works. Another factor that has influenced my works is my visit to the British Museum in London, which took place soon after my graduation. Egyptian art made a deep impression on me: the themes related to the mystery of life and death, the rich surface treatment, and the simplistic yet powerful use of materials and forms."

"Gustav Mahler dealt in some compositions conflict of life and death.
For me simple form and construction is important - however I hope that this form would not be dead, I hope taht it will evoke a sense of.
Sometimes history of art should be stanting point in my art."

Seppo Paajanen, the critic of Etelä-Saimaa newspaper, wrote on 26 February 2018 in his review of the Imatra Art Museum’s exhibition as follows: “Juhani Järvinen’s sculptures address fundamental questions, as their even sacred atmosphere turns the viewer’s thoughts to life and death.Järvinen is a master at combining a minimalistic style with extremely rich content when realising his ideas. His works are superb.”