Suvilahden mystery box artist speaks out on Garden project transparency

Pyry Lehdonvirta, the artist behind a recently unveiled political street art piece in Helsinki’s Suvilahti district, has called for greater scrutiny of the government’s decision-making process regarding the Garden project.

The work, titled “Petterin paketti” (Petri’s Package), features a painted parcel addressed to two recipients—“Janne” and “Ilpo”—and includes a 35 million euro sum, a clear reference to the state funding allocated to the controversial Garden project. Lehdonvirta, who has produced several political street artworks in the past, stated that the piece was created to highlight concerns over transparency and potential conflicts of interest in the project’s funding.

“The government has the right to allocate support to projects it deems strategically important, but it must do so in accordance with good governance,” Lehdonvirta said. “Transparency and impartiality have not been adequately upheld in this case.”

The artist discovered the plain metal box covering a pipe on Suvilahti’s asphalt field days before painting it. The idea for the artwork came to him quickly after seeing the object, he said, adding that he hoped the piece would remain in place at least until the Flow Festival in mid-August.

Lehdonvirta, who has been creating street art full-time for about six years after previously working in IT, described political street art as a spontaneous and imperfect medium that responds to current events. His previous works have included depictions of politicians in provocative contexts, such as a loaded firearm and a nicotine pouch, both referencing public controversies.

While the front of “Petterin paketti” does not name its intended recipient, the back of the box includes an exaggerated sender’s name that Lehdonvirta suggested may refer to a well-known minister.

Tags: Helsinki street art, Garden project controversy, political art Finland