Ilkka Kärkkäinen

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CV

Works available

Taidegraafikot

Basic information

b. 1960, Kouvola

Printmaker

Residence: Helsinki

Contact information

Phone number: +358505667174

Email: ilkka.sohelsinki@gmail.com

Artist’s Statement

I have a long experience in commercial graphics, which I use in my work. I work in Vallila Taitelijatalo in a collective of several designers/artists. As a tool, I mainly use old letterpress presses from old printing houses. I print my work myself, usually from self made plates (wood, lino, polymer). I also use a lot of old printing house equipment, for example wooden and metal letters, lines, and decorations
My works are based on an ethical and ecological perspective; I use almost exclusively old, used and recycled materials, starting with papers and colors.
In my works, I deal with the surrounding world and its state.

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Works from the artist

Name of the work: Lying On The Grass – Remix

Name of the work: I Didn’t Learn Anything 4

Name of the work: I Didn’t Learn Anything 3

Name of the work: I Didn’t Learn Anything 2

Name of the work: I Didn’t Learn Anything 1

Bio

In his graphic art, Ilkka Kärkkäinen combines old, disused printing press equipment, letterpress printing and polymer plate technology. Ilkka’s working method is not only slow but also experimental; often the final work is created through test versions, trial and error. Both the printing machines, the equipment and often also the paper are all recycled; acquired over the years from home and abroad.
Ilkka’s work shows the background of a graphic designer, as well as the legacy of constructivism. Over the years, his expression has become simpler and the sizes of his artworks have become larger. Kärkkäinen’s works quietly take a stand on the lived life and the surrounding world, leaving the interpretation to the viewers as non-presentative works.
Ilkka Kärkkäinen is one of Finland’s best-known and most awarded graphic designers. He is also one of the founding members of the so_helsinki collective.

Ilkka´s work is supported by Arts Promotion Centre Finland