Akseli Leinonen’s artwork “The light that never goes out” being installed in the Satakunnankatu roundabout

In autumn 2023, the Tampere Art Museum launched an open portfolio call to find a public artwork for the new Satakunnankatu roundabout. Themed “Technology and industry in Tampere”, the call led to three parallel sketch commissions, awarded to Johanna Häiväoja, Akseli Leinonen, and the artist duo NEON (Viliina Koivisto and Mark Nixon). Following the sketch phase, Akseli Leinonen’s proposal was selected for realization.

Now being installed in the center of the roundabout, the piece titled “The light that never goes out” consists of four corten steel-clad structures, each 11 meters tall. The work explores themes of gateways, rapids, and local history. Its appearance shifts depending on the angle of view: from Satakunnankatu, the artwork features two steel pillars forming a gate-like opening; from other perspectives, the piece evokes the flowing shape of rapids or the silhouette of a woman — highlighting the importance of both nature and people in the development of Tampere.

“The production process has gone smoothly and has been an especially interesting journey,” says artist Akseli Leinonen. “The components of the work are now complete and have been placed outdoors to develop their beautiful oxidized surface. The color will initially be quite vivid, but over time it will mellow and continue to evolve as the artwork ages.”

The Tampere Technical Society, which celebrated its 130th anniversary in 2023, has contributed to the funding of the project. Representatives from the Society also took part in the selection process.

“‘The light that never goes out’, rising in the heart of Tampere’s industrial landscape, is a testament to how art and technology together can create sustainable and meaningful cultural heritage. It is a tribute to the story of Tampere—and hopefully, it will remain part of the city’s bright future for the next 130 years,” commented Sanna Nokelainen, Chair of the Tampere Technical Society.

Once completed, the artwork will become part of the City of Tampere’s public art collection, managed by the Tampere Art Museum.