Camilla Vuorenmaa

Basic information

b. 1979, Tampere, Finland
Visual artist
Residence: Helsinki

Contact information

Artist’s Statement

My works are glimpses of the moments when internal movement takes place.
The main theme of my work is the experience of the individual and the generational experiences and human activities as part of a group. I’ve always tried to create characters that are open to interpretations and, for instance, let the viewer decide the gender of the subject.
 
In the past, I have studied the cultures of the fishermen and of the athletes. Animals like sheep have also become part of my photo gallery. The symbolism associated with animals and the relationship with humans runs strongly as part of human history. Movies have inspired me for several exhibitions, like Only Cowgirls get the blues, Party and I promised to come back for her birthday.
 
The choice of materials is an important part of the nature of my work and the beginning of the process. The use of materials and techniques vary. Mostly I find subjects for my work through photography, and these photographs serve as sketches for my paintings. Mainly I work on painting on wood panels, canvas and painting installations.
 
The scent and texture of the wood - as well as the fact that it has its own mind - inspire me.
Carving wood reminds me of drawing and working with a line is important in my work.
In wall painting I am fascinated by its momentary nature, the relationship of expression with space, and the impact created via the texture of the wall. Wires, wears on the wall, bricks and sockets.
 
I have also extended my techniques to UV light paintings, media art and short film.
 
Lightness and heaviness go hand in hand.
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Bio

Camilla Vuorenmaa (b. 1979, Tampere) graduated from the Department of Painting at the Finnish Academy of Fine Arts in 2005. She lives and works in Helsinki, Finland. In 2017 Vuorenmaa was nominated for Finland's biggest art price Ars Fennica, among four other nominees. Vuorenmaa received the Finnish Academy of Fine Arts Prize in spring 2015, after which her solo exhibition was shown at EMMA – Espoo Museum of Modern Art in spring 2016. In 2018 Vuorenmaa was awarded a William Thuring prize. Vuorenmaa also won a prize for her wooden works in the International Solo Awards 2013 at the Spring exhibition at Kunsthal Charlottenborg in Copenhagen.


Vuorenmaa’s recent solo exhibitions include Hämeenlinna Art museum (2023-2024), Helsinki Contemporary, Helsinki, Finland (2022), Joensuu Art Museum, Joensuu, Finland (2021), Gallery Forum Box, Helsinki, Finland (2017), EMMA – Espoo Museum of Modern Art, Finland (2016), Gallery C4 projects, Copenhagen, Denmark (2014), Kunsthal Charlottenborg, Copenhagen, Denmark (2014), Gallery Huuto, Helsinki, Finland (2011),  TM-gallery, Helsinki, Finland (2008). Her work has also been seen in group exhibitions such as Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma, Helsinki, Finland (2017), Gallery Thomassen, Gothenburg, Sweden (2017), Landskrona Konstmuseum (2017), Salo Art Museum, Finland, Bury Art Museum & Sculpture Centre, Manchester, England, Amos Andersons Art Museum, Helsinki, Finland (2015), Edsvik Konsthall, Sollentuna, Sweden, Kunsthal Charlottenborg, Copenhagen, Denmark (2014). Vuorenmaa’s works are found in collections such as the Gothenburg Museum of Art, Saastamoinen Foundation, EMMA – Espoo Museum of Modern Art, Amos Anderson Art Museum, Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art, Helsinki Art Museum and Niemistö Collection.