Path of Knowledge, Skill and Matter
Visual artist Timo Kokko’s artwork ‘The Path of Knowledge, Skill and Matter’ was completed in the Savilahdentie underpass in the summer of 2026. The work, which is over ten metres wide, consists of 71 steel elements arranged along the wall of the underpass. The shapes of the steel elements draw inspiration from fractals found in biology and genetics, the morphology of forests and plants, and the environment and wildlife of Savilahti.
“The core idea of the work lies in the Path, that is, the route that connects the three educational institutions in the Savilahti area. The Path is also a symbol of connection, movement and interaction. It is a transition that brings about change: the student’s journey towards adventure and the wider world, the opening of minds to new directions, the development of culture, art and science, and the growth and strengthening of the community. It creates a space where encounters, collaboration and insights can emerge. The work draws on the identity of Savilahti, where knowledge, research, technology, skill, culture and the environment are intertwined,” explains artist Timo Kokko.
The work is made of water-patterned steel, whose rippled, organic surface evokes the movement of water. This transforms the solid, hard material into something that appears fluid and alive. The steel surface reflects light and its surroundings. Thus, the work is not merely an independent object but also engages in a constant dialogue with its environment, its viewers and the changing light. The streets, underpasses, educational buildings and lakeshores of Savilahti form an invisible network of flows, through which knowledge, skill, material, interaction and collaboration move like water: in constant motion, interconnected.
The artwork is a joint contribution to the art of Savilahti by the University of Eastern Finland, Savonia University of Applied Sciences and Savo Vocational College, with funding shared between the three educational institutions. The expertise and facilities available in the Savilahti area were also utilised in creating the artwork, as the new laser cutter at Savonia University of Applied Sciences was used to cut the steel components. In addition, the mounting hardware for the work was sourced from Kinex, a company based in Savilahti. “The steel required for the work came from England, and I learnt that the same water-patterned steel was used in the 2024 Paris Olympic cauldron,” says artist Timo Kokko.
The spot lighting for the work was designed by Ari Tiilikainen of L I T E -designs, based in Siilinjärvi. The lighting makes use of the steel’s vibrant, reflective surface, creating subtle reflections on the ground.
Location: Underpass SK-1101, at the junction of Savilahdentie and Neulaniementie
Year of completion: 2026
Commissioned by: City of Kuopio
Funding bodies: University of Eastern Finland, Savonia University of Applied Sciences and Savo Vocational College
The artist
Timo Kokko is a visual artist from Kuopio, known especially for his multisensory installations, light art and sculptures. His artistic career spans both Finnish and international arenas. His works explore ecological values and questions concerning humanity. Humans, nature, time, the moment and transience are recurring themes in his work. Kokko holds a master’s degree in fine arts from the Academy of Fine Arts at the University of the Arts Helsinki.
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