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Riikka Kettu Virtanen b. 1996, FI

Riikka Virtanen's art is rooted in the personal and autobiographical. The choice of theme is an intuitive one, as it is the experiences of everyday life that inspire them to create. In their paintings, Virtanen works through thoughts, feelings, and fears, stating that they find it difficult to distinguish between their own self and their art. As a result, their paintings enter into a dialogue with their private life. Virtanen does not regard themself as a political artist, but their work is nevertheless influenced by queer activism and by fellow contemporary queer artists. The self expressed in their art challenges conventional norms.

Text: Helen Korpak