Paintings by Elli Maanpää between 2024-2025. "A hug can be radical. Play can be political."
ARTIST STATEMENT
I use physical tools to paint the invisible. Through movement and form, I translate unseen things—like air, emotion, and connection—into objects the heart can recognize. My figures dance and embrace, freed from concrete reality by imagination.
My process is fast, layered, and deeply joyful. I apply acrylics using brushes, rollers, squeegees, and my fingers. I limit my palette to six vibrant, complementary colors. This turns the serious act of painting into a delightful game of play.
History and environment guide my materials. I paint on canvas and recycled objects that connect directly to the story of the space. Ultimately, I want my art to lift people up. I want viewers to feel the childhood wonder, lightness, and awe of watching a butterfly take flight.
– Elli Maanpää
ARTIST BIOGRAPHY
Elli Maanpää is a multidisciplinary Finnish contemporary artist working at the intersection of painting, design, and visual storytelling. She holds a Master of Arts degree in Visual Culture from Aalto University, complemented by Bachelor's degrees in both Animation (Turku Arts Academy) and Fashion Design (Aalto University). This extensive, cross-disciplinary academic background forms the foundation for her recognizable visual language.
Maanpää’s works have been acquired for public collections, including the Finnish Postal Museum, Lohja Museum, and Satasairaala Hospital. She has also completed a large-scale public art commission for the Valkeavuori Campus in Kaarina. Her exhibitions have been presented throughout Finland, in venues such as B-galleria (Turku), P-galleria (Pori), and the Vanha Paukku Culture Center (Lapua). Furthermore, she is scheduled to present a curated exhibition at the Hotel and Restaurant Museum in Helsinki in 2027.
Maanpää's artistic practice has been supported by grants from organizations such as the Arts Promotion Centre Finland (Taike) and the Association of Finnish Illustrators.
Elli Maanpää, a Finnish contemporary artist, in her studio in Helsinki, Finland.
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