Exhibitions
My Rosy Road 2018
Äni, My Rosy Road - Art Exhibition
January 18, 2018: Helsinki
February 28, 2018: Oulu
August 10, 2018: Tuusula, as part of the 25th-anniversary Night of the Arts celebration
Äni’s first exhibition, My Rosy Road, is tied to her autobiographical graphic novel, which tells the story of a severe brain inflammation and its profound impact on her life. This serious illness changed Äni's life and inspired her to dedicate her artistic career to creating positive societal impact through art. The exhibition conveyed Äni’s story in various forms. Pages from the graphic novel were displayed alongside unique works, including sculptures, drawings, and paintings, all of which narrated her journey. Through the exhibition, book, and artworks, Äni expresses love, hope, and an encouraging message for anyone facing loneliness and challenges. My Rosy Road resonated deeply with many visitors, who later shared their own survival stories.
The Story Behind the Artwork: Triptych Heart° Brain° Tors°
The creative process behind the Brain° and Heart° parts began with ceramic sculptures that were broken using a sledgehammer. The video features the sledgehammer striking the hippocampus of the brain, where the inflammation occurred. Äni employed the traditional Japanese kintsugi technique and urushi lacquer to piece together the fragments of the brain and heart. In kintsugi, value arises from repairing broken objects, making the once-damaged and imperfect item even more beautiful and valuable through restoration.
The Creation of Tors°
The ceramic sculpture’s body underwent the challenge of fire during its firing process. Äni drew inspiration from raku ceramics for painting the sculpture. In Western raku techniques, the artwork is heated to approximately 1,000°C and then removed glowing hot from the kiln. It is placed in containers with flammable materials, which create a smoky surface and give the piece a metallic sheen during the cooling process.
Änione – Singapore 2019
In March 2019, Äni completed a mural painting and was invited to participate in the Singapore Innovation Home opening exhibition. Numerous acrylic mixed-media paintings by Äni were showcased.
M’Ateria 2020
Charity Art Exhibition
December 12, 2020 – January 31, 2021: Helsinki
M’Ateria is a Finnish-French wordplay: M’ is short for the French word meaning "my," and ateria means “meal” in Finnish. This word combination aptly reflects the exhibition’s theme and the relationship between art and nourishment.
“Art feeds us. Personally, I put food on my table thanks to my creativity through making art.”
“Art also nourishes spiritually, as the saying goes, art is food for the soul.”
In addition to the exhibition, weekly food aid was distributed. Free food bags were handed out in the beautiful gallery space to those in need. With the help of art sales, friends, partners, and visitors, a significant amount of free food was shared with community members affected by the pandemic.
Äni was inspired to organize this exhibition during a private prayer session in March 2020. The name, idea, and a related Bible verse came to her clearly. Despite numerous challenges during the organization, the artists managed to bring the exhibition to life. It was held in the stunning Arabia 135 space, which holds a proud history in Finnish art and design. The exhibition was made possible with support from Innovation Home, Wings of Saints, and Christian Art & Media.
Listen to Äni’s interview and the M’Ateria exhibition presentation [here].
Habitare 2022
ÄNImal 2023
From Death to Life – Group Exhibition, Gallery Heritage 2024
ÄNIversary – 10-Year Artist Retrospective 2024
Night of the Arts, Helsinki 2024
ELO – Group Exhibition, 40th Anniversary of Perhonjokilaakso Visual Arts Association, Veteli Art Manor 2024