Näkyväisiä
Welcome to the opening ceremonies on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, from 5–7 p.m!
The theme of our exhibition, Näkyväisiä, is the world of the seen and the unseen. The works interpret this theme freely, through our own personal perspectives. The exhibition features sculptures, paintings, and an installation.
The word invisible carries both a literal and a more abstract meaning (such as social invisibility). While its modern antonym is visible or näkyvä in Finnish, our chosen Finnish title Näkyväisiä is more archaic and solemn – a word used when the language is meant to be elevated or intentionally lofty. This makes it more versatile and nuanced than the simple modern alternative ‘näkyvä’.
A theme such as this inevitably leads us toward the various forms of humanity: for instance, nature, the individual, the superficialities and clichés of today’s world, mathematics, or a mythical and historical past. It is an emotional reaction – or perhaps, at times, a conscious, calculated choice. An artist often (one might say almost always) engages with a subject or theme of deep personal significance. Through their work, the artist can bring these meaningful elements visible – or even bestow upon them that archaic, solemn visibility (näkyväinen). Conversely, the artist also possesses the power to hide, making themes – whether significant or trivial – invisible. Often, this invisible world is the most compelling, as the artist refrains from revealing everything. Let this serve as an introduction to the realms explored by our group’s artists; let the art itself reveal the rest.
NINA ISO-HERTTUA
Nina Iso-Herttua (b. 1972) is a Helsinki-based visual artist whose practice moves between painting, drawing, and installation.
In her recent work, Nina Iso-Herttua has turned her attention toward small, almost imperceptible worlds: subtle inner shifts, traces, and experiences that are easily overlooked.
Between 2010 and 2025, Nina Iso-Herttua’s work has been widely presented in group exhibitions and projects across Finland.
Teoskuva yllä: Yksityiskohta installaatiosta Ansapaperi, lyijykynä paperille, yksityiskohdan koko 29,7 cm x 21 cm, 2022-2026
MINJA KAROLIINA LAAKSO
Minja Karoliina Laakso (b.1988) is a visual artist from Helsinki. Her main form of expression is painting. Her paintings are life-affirming and representational, yet not realistic, occupying a territory between surrealism, naivism, myth, and narrative.
In the years 2016-2026 Laaksos’ works have been in several solo and group exhibitions in Finland.
TOMI ÅBERG
Tomi Åberg is a fine artist who graduated from LAB University of Applied Sciences/Saimaa University of Applied Sciences in 2020. His body of work consists mainly of metalpoint, watercolour, and sculpture. Åberg has held private exhibitions and participated in group exhibitions and juried joint exhibitions in Finland since 2020. In August 2024 Åberg was in a residency at Lake Haruna Artist Residence of Takasaki City, Gunma Prefecture, Japan.
JOSUA KERKIS
Josua Kerkis (b. 1998) is a Helsinki-based visual artist completing his Master’s studies in Painting at the Academy of Fine Arts. Kerkis maintains an active exhibition practice, with his work frequently showcased in solo and group exhibitions at various local galleries across Finland. His artistic practice focuses on contemporary painting.
SAARA ANNIKKI NURMI
Saara Annikki Nurmi (b. Vaasa 1944) lives and works in Helsinki. She is a visual artist who
graduated from LAB University of Applied Sciences/Saimaa University of Applied Sciences in 2020.
Her source of enthusiasm and inspiration are the colors. Color is not only a surface, but it
has a spatial property that can be used to create three-dimensional objects, spaces and
spaces. Nurmi uses colors to evoke the viewer’s memories and emotions.
