According to Etiquette / Etiketin mukaan

An exhibition in Gallery Huuto in March 2024

The exhibiton in Gallery Huuto is the first part of a project called Ester The Invisible One. The aim of the project is to make a portrait of my aunt Ester, to shed light on her life and work.

The images and installations are created out of and from the belongings of Ester, who worked as a maid and a personal assistant for president Urho Kekkonen and his wife Sylvi Kekkonen for 30 years. Ester was mainly responsible for taking care of clothes and the private floor in Tamminiemi , the president´s recidence, packing and unpacking suitcases and serving tea in the evenings. She also made flower arrangements, took care of the dogs, decorated the Christmas tree, wrapped presents and went driving around with Mrs Kekkonen. 

Ester lived on the attic in Tamminiemi and in the summer they all moved to the summer residence Kultaranta. Ester travelled with the President and his wife on about 20 state visits. She was first hired by Sylvi Kekkonen in 1952, when Urho Kekkonen was a prime minister. Being a hard working and loyal employee she continued to serve the president until his death in 1986.

Ester was a very private person and little is known of her. She hardly ever gave interviews and did not allow her photograph to be taken.

The works in the exhibition are attempts to organize Ester´s private archive and interpret her mysterious life trough her belongings and memorabilia.