Saimi Suikkanen
Visual artist and painter. (b.1994). Lives and works currently in Helsinki, Finland.
Artist Statement
I roam around, sip bitter instant coffee and lay in my hammock. I take photographs, write up my thoughts and daydream. I paint the things I see. I paint whatever I feel like painting. I bring my observations to life on canvas and shape them into something new. I breathe deeply — I am idle.
I start a new piece with diluted yellow ochre. The paintbrush swishes on the canvas, drafting a new subject in a fast tempo. I need to hurry before the picture is set on the canvas. I slow down and wipe something away.
I mix colours on the porcelain plate functioning as a palette. I let the dry brush bring out the texture in the fabric. I paint areas of colour furiously, dilute, and add a thick layer of another colour. I adjust the hues until they resonate on the retinas. In the upper corner, the diluted paint trickles over. I lift the painting off the easel and lay it down flat on the ground. Even paintings need to rest sometime.
Saimi Suikkanen (b. 1994) is a Helsinki-based visual artist whose primary medium is painting. Suikkanen graduated from Saimaa University of Applied Sciences in Imatra in 2017 and is currently completing her MFA degree in the Academy of Fine Arts of University of the Arts Helsinki.
CURRICULUM VITAE
Education
2020 - Master of Fine Arts, the University of the Arts Helsinki, Academy of Fine Arts
2013 - 2017 BFA in Fine Art, Saimaa University of Applied Sciences, Imatra
2016 Erasmus studies in Ulster University, Belfast
2010 -2013 Savonlinna Upper Secondary School of Visual Arts and Music
Solo Exhibitions
2022 Let’s not think about tomorrow, Galerie Forsblom, Helsinki
2021 Denim-colored nail polish, Exhibition Laboratory Project Room, Helsinki
2020 Having the time of my life, Porvoo Kunsthalle, Porvoo
2020 Having the time of my life, Galerie/Projektraum TOOLBOX, Berlin
2019 Not a care in the world, Galleria Uusi Kipinä’s Kenno, Lahti
2018 CHILLING at home, B-galleria’s Project space, Turku
2018 Jotain uutta, with Heidi Suikkanen at Gallery Krimi, Imatra
2017 Mom Jeans, Käytävägalleria, Imatra
2016 Esillä, Taidebunkkeri, Imatra
Selected Group Exhibitions
2022 Näyttämö, Ars Häme summer exhibition, Hämeenlinna
2022 Pop-up exhibition, Studio Pasila, Helsinki
2021 For the Love of, Studio Hakola, Helsinki
2021 Kuvan Kevät, Exhibition Laboratory, Helsinki
2019 Art of Basware, Clarion Jätkäsaari, Helsinki
2019 Portrait Now! 2019, Ljungberg Museum, Ljungby
2019 Mansikkapaikka, Taidekeskus Järvilinna, Laukaa
2019 Portrait NOW! 2019, Frederiksborg Castle, Hillerød
2019 Yläkaupungin Yö -kaupunkifestivaali, Jyväskylä
2019 LOPPU, Taidebunkkeri, Imatra
2018 UURTO, Taidekeskus Itä, Lappeenranta
2018 Koti nimeltä Krimi, Krimi Buildings, Art Centre Krimi, Imatra
2017 MEETINGS, Gallery Noorus, Tartu, Estonia
2017 AUDITOITU , Saimaa UAS Degree Show, Imatra Art Museum
2017 Sadan vuoden jälkeen, Stockfors Art Fair, Pyhtää
2016 Seurauksia, Stockfors Art Fair, Pyhtää
2016 Nurja Puoli, Pop-Up Gallery, Imatra
2015 Viimeinen Sammuttaa valot, Lappeenranta
2015 Kesamaisemia Suomesta, City Hall, Imatra
2015 Maalaus, Skinnarila Campus, Lappeenranta
2015 Kaikki sanat on jo käytetty, Stockfors Art Fair, Pyhtää
2014 Heijastuksia, Stockfors Art Fair, Pyhtää,
2014 Kesamaisemia Suomesta, Galleria OyOy, Lahti
Memberships
Finnish Painters’ Union, candidate member
Artists’ Association of Southern Karelia
Jyväskylä Artist Association, candidate member
Grants
2022 Finnish Cultural Foundation, South Karelia Regional fund
2018 People’s Cultural Foundation
2018 Finnish Cultural Foundation, South Karelia Regional fund
2016 Foundation of William and Ester Otsakorpi
Public artworks and collections
The art collection of National Union of University Students in Finland
Voikukat - mural painting, Lappeenranta
contact for commissions / queries:
