Kaija Hinkula is one of the winners from September of ArtConnect's Open Call: Artists to Watch '21.

My art stretches the limits of painting, sculpture and installation. I’m interested in where and how painting is now and what it can be. I use different elements such as oil, spray, and readymade objects – using them as parts of compositions and installations giving painting a spatial form. I also make paintings on board using different tools. In addition to gallery space, I expand the space of the painting into the outside world – making installations into beaches, construction sites or the forest.

My work is often about contradiction – a place where fantasy meets the reality. References to the modern world and contemporary events – symbolic use of objects such as fire extinguishers and shopping carts transform themselves into colourful installations as a part of the world’s playground. A game, that can also turn absurd, is formed.

ArtConnect asked the winning artists to share with us a glimpse into their creative life to get a sense of their personal inspiration and artistic process.

How would you describe your artistic approach?

I work very intuitively and try to keep the process open and free as long as possible for new actions and perspectives. The material and space has a huge role affecting the result – work can also change and take other forms in a new situation - so I could call it also site-specific painting and sculpting. I love bright colors and playfulness in making art.

And how did you get started as an artist?

I started my first studies to become a visual artist after high school. Quite quickly, it was clear that art and painting, which was my hobby as a child and teenager would become a meaningful part of my life and career.

Where do you look for sources of inspiration?

New perceptions in everyday life, oddness, absurdness, playfulness, good conversations, altruism, passionate people.

What are the biggest challenges you’ve faced as an artist?

Feeling the art world is quite shortsighted, which is a challengeto artists’ everyday life and future planning.

Describe a typical day in the studio/wherever you make your work.

I work best during the morning and midday – then my mind is clear and fresh and ready to jump into the flow of my process My studio is peaceful - but basically always filled with music or a talkshow about current events from the radio.

What are you currently working on and what’s coming up next for you?

I just finished my latest solo show in Forum Box in Helsinki and I’m waiting to unveil a public work in Oulu, Finland. Then I’m going back to the studio focusing on next year’s projects - stay tuned!

Is there a medium, a process, or a technique that you haven't used in your work yet but would like to try out?

I just started to learn to make ceramics, which I find nice and interesting, and somehow mediative when it comes to shaping the clay. I also like the idea of painted sculpture. I just created a public work out of painted steel, which taught a lot about what materials are suitable when a work is permanent and faces all 4 seasons in Finland.

See more of Kaija Hinkula’s work

ArtConnect Profile | Portfolio | Instagram