‘Fractured’ A Large Unique Ceramic Sculpture, Pekka Paikkari

Fractured is a striking ceramic wall sculpture by Pekka Paikkari, created in 2006. This exceptional work showcases a meticulously handcrafted ceramic composition mounted on a wooden board, embodying the artist’s interpretation of a fracture. Paikkari’s abstract approach invites contemplation, while his organic process reflects the passage of time.

The piece remains in good condition and was acquired directly from the artist by the previous owner.

Clay is Paikkari’s primary medium, chosen for its ability to mimic the intricate cracks of ice—a phenomenon that has long fascinated him. His process involves shaping the clay by hand, using tools such as sticks and bricks, before allowing it to rest. As the surface naturally cracks, the emerging patterns guide the final design. The clay is then fired, transforming it into ceramic—a method Paikkari describes as “constructing a never-ending story.” The sculpture evolves through his imagination, resulting in a dynamic yet durable work that is robust despite its seemingly fragile appearance.

Pekka Paikkari (b. 1960) is a highly regarded contemporary ceramic artist from Finland. A designer for Arabia and a founding member of the Arabia Art Department Society since the 1980s, he is celebrated for his large-scale ceramic sculptures and monumental public works across Finland. His distinctive style and technical mastery have earned him international recognition, with pieces held in prestigious collections such as the Victoria & Albert Museum (London), the British Museum, the Museum of Modern Ceramic Art (Gifu, Japan), and the Hostler Burrows Gallery (New York).

Selected Bibliography:
1992 – Timo Laiho, Pekka Paikkari – Karborundum, Finland
2006 – Pekka Paikkari: The Never-Ending, exhibition catalogue, Turku, Finland
2016 – Heeney, Gwen (ed.), The Post-Industrial Landscape as Site for Creative Practice: Material Memory, Cambridge Scholars Publishing
2017 – Wall Street International, “New Ceramic Artists”

Paikkari has received numerous awards and grants and has participated in over 200 solo and group exhibitions worldwide.