Kriistina Lahde

Kriistina Lahde is an artist who reexamines objects and terms of measurement in new ways. For example she may take standard sized envelopes and meticulously cut them into lace-like patterns, or she may alter objects of measurement like rulers and yardsticks into sculptures. By deconstructing and destroying utilitarian objects, she effectually sees new potential and value in these works.

Conceptually, Lahde's work may reflect a "dialogue with those norms of social expectation, of the standards by which we are measured to be functioning (or non-functionin members of society)" ().

Kristin Campbell, an art history teacher at the University of Guelph, further explains, "Lahde denies the conventional use value of measuring tools, and the systems and practices with which we might associate with, and also introduces an element of chance to something controlled. Another careful system is imposed on the initial object: Lahde refuses to leave scraps or slivers out and instead new curvilinear forms are created using every fragment of the original" ().  

The Envelopes series (2004-2007) and this latter system of keeping and reusing every scrap of material relates to my BFA final show quite nicely. I wish I would have known about Lahde in my undergrad.

Campbell, Kristin. (2013). Beyond Measure: Systems of Chance in the Art of Kriistina Lahde. International Contemporary Art. 22-27.