Asko Salmea has been fascinated by the role of the Suvilahti skate park in the changing cityscape of Kalasatama. He has been photographing the area since 2016 and has documented its development piece by piece in his photos.
In 2016, plastic surgeon Asko Salminoticed the new cranes that had appeared around the Suvilahti skate park, signaling a permanent change to the area. He launched a photography project that has continued through each new phase of change. Kalasatama has indeed developed at a rapid pace, but the skate park, for example, has resisted a permanent demolition decision thanks to petitions.
Salmi has regularly photographed the park and noticed its resilience. “It was hard to imagine that this vibrant skateboarding oasis, born spontaneously through volunteer efforts, could stand up to the army of buildings rising behind it. I saw the end right from the start,” Salmi explains the background of his photography project.
The skate park is located in the midst of bustling construction
The Kalasatama and Suvilahti areas have changed dramatically in recent years due to active construction and the relocation of services to the area. With its permanence, the skate park serves as a counterbalance to this change. The park received its first demolition order as early as 2017, and it was scheduled to be demolished again in 2020. However, things turned out differently.
Salmi describes his relationship with the park as follows: “For me, the park has been an ever-changing, dynamic work of art, full of life and art on its walls. Young and old skaters and artists. Full of color, images, and the clatter of skateboards.”
Salmi’s photos are teeming with both younger and older generations. In the background, first one, then several towers can be seen in the developing Kalasatama area. The construction visible in the background doesn’t slow down the skaters in the photos.
“For me, the park has always been an ever-changing, dynamic work of art, full of life and art on its walls. Young and old skaters and artists alike.”
– Photographer Asko Salmi
Suvilahti is evolving, but the park remains where it is for now
Asko Salmi’s photographs have recently been on display in the “Oasis in the City” exhibition at Galleria Contempo since late September. The exhibition also features sculptures by artist Samuli Alonen, in which nature and animals are also present, in keeping with the exhibition’s theme. Asphalt and animals reflect different aspects of the city and its development.
The fate of the skate park is still not entirely certain, but it will remain in place—at least for a while longer—to the delight of skaters and other lovers of local history. Construction is, of course, continuing, and the park remains in the midst of profound change.
“The park is never the same—it’s in constant motion and change, both in its ramps and in the art on its walls,” Salmi concludes.
The “Oasis in the City” exhibition is on view Galleria Contempo through October 23 at Lönnrotinkatu 23.