Photo: Daniel Forsman

Iisa Maaranen

Iisa Maaranen graduated from the Academy of Fine Arts in Helsinki in 2018. She paints impressionistic tempera paintings that abstract today’s meeting points. The inspiration is often an everyday structure or a view, which opens up into a symbolic form through the painting. Perhaps constantly asking: what exactly are we trying to free ourselves from? Physicality and the search for presence are often there – the rhythm of the painting gesture varies from considered to unconsidered and from fragile to more robust. The tone of the light moves from dark and hazy to pastel.

The paintings strive for multi-layerness and mystery. Rarely, there is anything completely clear. The recent themes of the works have been the challenges of concentration, presence, and connection in the digital age. Other themes include the search for safety and the individual’s relationship to the group.

Maaranen’s works are part of the collections of Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art, Saastamoinen Foundation, Helsinki Art Museum and Finnish State.