Neuvonen, Kirsi | Artist Register – Artists’ Association of Finland

Works available

Suoraan taiteilijalta Galleria G Grafoteekki Helsinki Galleria Becker ja Taidelainaamo Jyväskylä Galleria G12 Taidelainaamo Helsinki Taide ja Kehys Pekkala Oulu Galleria Duetto Helsinki Savarte Art Kotka Himmelblau Tampere Studio m3 Mikkeli

Basic information

b. 1960, Keuruu

Prinmaker

Residence: Jyväskylä

Contact information

Phone number: +358440300120

Email: kirsi.neuvonen@kirsineuvonen.fi

Artist's Statement

I have worked as a printmaker and artist for over forty years. Everything I do, wells up from my longing for beauty and the positive presence of people. The wildlife and aesthetics around us contribute to my work accordingly.

The most I am inspired by art history. In addition, fashion, design, architecture and natural history are the sources for my inspiration. The ornaments that I love so much, is based on geometric patterns that exhibit in nature.

I make visual analyses of the works that are inspired by art history by drawing them, instead of writing. They represent different eras. I do research on earlier works of art, and make my very own interpretations of those that evoke emotions in me. While working, I analyze my own experiences and reflect them to the present time and the world we are living in. My works make a story that began well before me and will continue after me.

I build my exhibitions as to tell a story with many dimensions. In my works and exhibitions you can encounter both joy, dreams and happiness alongside with sorrow and loss. I myself identify myself with longing, which I reckon is the atmosphere between sorrow and balance.

Show biography

Exhibition at Finlayson Art Area Himmelblau Tampere 13.6.–24.8.2025

Bio

Printmaker Kirsi Neuvonen is known for her painterly and colourful graphic art. Her dress pictures, her women of antiquity and the Middle Ages, as well as her plant and animal subjects have found an audience in Finland and abroad.

In professional circles, Kirsi Neuvonen is known as having advanced the method of multi-colour intaglio printing. This is something she has systematically worked on since the very beginning of her career, from the mid 1980s.

From the beginning, printmaking seemed a good fit, as Kirsi liked to experiment and she was naturally methodical with good organizational skills. Printmaking requires not only sustained control during the printmaking process, but also technical skill, tolerance for repetition, patience and precision.

Born in Keuruu, Kirsi Neuvonen has lived in Jyväskylä since 1984. She rose to awareness with art audiences in 1987 upon receiving the prestigious State Prize while only 27 years old. This recognition was bestowed for her Dress Series works Strawberry Dress, Evening Dress and Gala Dress, which are now considered classics of Finnish graphic art.

Ten years later, in 1997, Kirsi Neuvonen received the Finland Prize. In addition to national recognition, it was awarded in gratitude for the artistic, technical and professional achievements in the field of Finnish multi-coloured intaglio printing.

Colour and atmosphere are central to Kirsi Neuvonen’s art. She works serially. When a topic or theme begins to interest her, she will do research and explore art history, after which she will approach the subject from different angles. This is how many independent and unique works can result from a single theme.

From the turn of 1993-1994 Neuvonen has used four separate plates for her prints. Cold and warm colours as well as grey tones get their own plates.

Kirsi Neuvonen has been called a romantic artist. Perhaps audiences are interested in her graphic art because it is traditionally beautiful. At least many have stated so.

Individual prints are pictorially multifaceted. They are also humorous. The works tell stories that the viewers can continue by adding their own experiences to what they see.

The artist deems it important that her works can travel with people through the different stages of their lives, resonating with everyday occurrences and special celebrations alike.

Kirsi Neuvonen does not make specific studies for her works. The subjects and final images emerge gradually from her notes based on personal observations and experiences.

Neuvonen is a recycler of pictures and images. In a 1980s post-modern spirit, she uses pictorial loans and quotes. Past cultures and images from art history continue to inspire her. By re-interpreting classic themes, she comes up with something new. The past, the present and the future often co-exist in her prints.

It is also noteworthy that Neuvonen brings a female’s perspective to subjects, which have traditionally been considered manly. Her divan reclining women have a feminine softness and a decorative, joyful and playful character.

(This text is summarised of parts of the Artist Introduction of Kirsi Neuvonen written by Marjo-Riitta Simpanen.)