Saarinen, Minttu | Artist Register – Artists’ Association of Finland

Bio

Using acrylic painting, performance, and installations with recycled materials, Finnish artist Minttu Saarinen (*1987) explores in her work the creative interplay of tradition and modernity, as well as of myth and reality. She continuously integrates traditional Finnish values, beliefs, and myths into her work, which become integral parts of her pieces. This fusion of past and present, of folklore and modern culture, forms the core of her visual narratives. They unfold in a kaleidoscopic dance of colors and symbols, immersing the viewer in a fascinating world. In Saarinen's large-scale and vibrant acrylic works, mysticism, traditions, and current cultural phenomena are woven into complex narratives about the connections and behaviors of humans and other species. Humans do not appear directly in the images but rather serve as catalysts, motivating the visual events. This indirect presence of humans in Saarinen's work underscores the essential role that cultural traditions and collective myths play in our modern reality.Minttu Saarinen holds a Master's degree in Cultural Studies and Art and her works have been showcased in solo and group exhibitions, including "Morbid Orbit" (2024) at Laikku Kunsthalle, Tampere, and "Homoplantae" (2022) at the garden of Hämeenlinna City Hall. For her outstanding contributions, she has received numerous awards and scholarships, including a residency grant from Künstlerhaus Lukas in Ahrenshoop.