Stop right there-don’t move! You’re under arrest… for having excellent taste in art! Welcome to Taidepoliisi, also known as the “arts police” of Espoo. Right now, you’re standing at a spot where Pohjantie and Ahertajantie cross paths, surrounded by the curious eyes of locals and commuters. But your gaze should go straight to the bronze figure on the roundabout-a rather unusual policeman, wouldn’t you agree? He’s five meters tall, perched on a pedestal of shining stainless steel, looking every bit as commanding as his job suggests.
But look closer. He’s got three arms! Now, most of us stop at two-unless you’ve had too much Finnish coffee. But this artsy officer, dreamt up by artist Pekka Kauhanen, needs three arms to keep up with all the art fans in Espoo. Kauhanen once said, “the rhythm of Taidepoliisi’s arms just requires three arms.” Not to mention, there are only ten fingers, so the mathematics of art can be surprisingly tricky. You could say he’s giving us all a hand… plus a bonus!
Taidepoliisi has been here since 2006, just before the nearby Emma Museum opened its doors. His job? To round you up and point you straight toward a life of modern art, because here in Espoo, even the police force is brilliantly creative. Now, don’t worry-no fines for enjoying this statue!
