Emma Luukkala
Emma Luukkala is a Helsinki-based artist, whose techniques vary from tempera and oil painting to sculptural collages of objects. She is interested in the issues of corporality and materiality of painting.
Luukkala draws the motifs for her works from everyday life. She examines the home environment, fixating on details like textile patterns, furniture legs and belongings burrowed between the sofa cushions. Painted imagery refers to materials around us, while the tangible surfaces of thick paint lead to look at the painting itself as a pile of matter. Messy domestic views painted with care and soft colours suggest to see the mundane with consideration. Items that have been left lying on the table, a pin, a comb, an earplug, keys, a receipt and a rubber band emphasize the importance of small size.
Emma Luukkala graduated from the Finnish Academy of Fine Arts in 2020. Her recent exhibitions include the solo exhibitions än yy tee at tm-gallery, Helsinki (2023) and Melska at Jyväskylä Art Museum, Jyväskylä (2021) and the group exhibition EMERGING 2021 at Galerie Anhava, Helsinki (2021). Luukkalas works are included in major art collections in Finland such as Kiasma Museum of contemporary art, Saastamoinen Foundation, Finnish State Art Commission and Wihuri Foundation.
Featured artwork
SmileyEmma Luukkala, Smiley, oil on linen, 106 cm x 93 cm x 4 cm ,2023. Photo: Emma Luukkala.
Will Anyone ComeEmma Luukkala, Will Anyone Come, oil and plaster on linen, 180 cm x 150 cm x 4 cm ,2023. Photo: Emma Luukkala.
Evening RunEmma Luukkala, Evening Run, tempera, beeswax and oil on linen, 106 cm x 93 cm x 4 cm ,2022. Photo: Emma Luukkala.
Daring DiveEmma Luukkala, Daring Dive, oil on linen, 106 cm x 93 cm x 4 cm ,2022. Photo: Emma Luukkala.
Emma Luukkala, Small, Dear Things IIIOil on canvas, 48 x 40 cm, 2021. Photo: Emma Luukkala.
Emma Luukkala, Small, Dear Things IVOil on canvas, 48 x 40 cm, 2021. Photo: Emma Luukkala.
Emma Luukkala, Small, Dear Things IIOil on canvas, 48 x 40 cm, 2021. Photo: Emma Luukkala.
Emma Luukkala, Lähdin ulos (I went out)Oil on canvas, 48 cm x 40 cm, 2021. Photo: Jussi Tiainen.
Emma Luukkala, Small, Dear Things VOil on canvas, 48 cm x 40 cm, 2021. Photo: Jussi Tiainen.
A Short BreakEmma Luukkala, A Short Break, oak, steel, household items, epoxy and alkyd, 120 cm x 43 cm x 32 cm ,2023. Photo: Emma Luukkala.
Emma Luukkala, Letka, detailFurniture legs, pairless socks and other found objects, 10 m x 7 cm x 7 cm, 2021. Photo: Emma Luukkala
Emma Luukkala, SundayOil, yarn and epox on canvas and socks, 90 cm x 130 cm x 510 cm, 2020. Photo: Emma Luukkala.
Emma Luukkala: Clean is broken IIITempera and oil on board, 31 x 26 cm. Photo: Emma Luukkala.
Emma Luukkala, Clean is broken IITempera and oil on board, 38 x 33 cm. Photo: Emma Luukkala.
KampeEmma Luukkala, Kampe, oil on canvas and board, 31 cm x 28 cm x 3 cm ,2019. Photo: Emma Luukkala.