Biography
Sanna Koskimäki (b. 1993, Lappeenranta, Finland) is a fine art painter based in Helsinki, Finland. Working primarily with oil paint on self-prepared cotton or linen canvas, their practice also includes creating sculptures made from canvas and paint. Renowned for their vibrant and evocative depictions of animals inhabiting human-made environments, Koskimäki masterfully combines dynamic compositions with a painterly sensitivity to light and texture.
The artist’s work delves into the complex relationships between humans and animals, exploring themes of connection, posthumanism, and animals as protagonists. Their practice envisions utopias where humans and animals coexist in harmony, challenging traditional power dynamics through compelling visual narratives. Among their significant projects is the Animal at Home (2021-2024) series, a collection of paintings that reimagines the relationship between humans and dogs, offering a contemporary perspective on themes of domestication and companionship. The work is characterized by figurative compositions influenced by an impressionistic approach to natural light and seemingly effortless brushstrokes that lend an organic feel to the imagery.
Sanna Koskimäki has exhibited extensively, with notable solo and group exhibitions that have captured the attention of both local and international audiences. Their works have been featured in private collections and artistic participations, demonstrating their ongoing engagement with critical discourses on humanity's place within the natural world.
CV
Sanna Koskimäki (b. 1993, Lappeenranta, Finland) is a fine artist, illustrator and a teacher of art.
Based in Helsinki, Finland.
Education
2017-2019, MA, Aalto University School of Arts and Design, Espoo, Finland
2013-2017, BA, Aalto University School of Arts and Design, Helsinki, Finland
Selected Solo exhibitions
2025, Come Join the Flood [upcoming], Gallery Unelma, Espoo, Finland
2024, Kotona eläin (Animal at Home), Gallery Uusi Kipinä, Lahti, Finland
2024, Kukitaan!(Let’s Blossom!), Gallery Blossom Point, Helsinki, Finland
2023, Muovikukkaviidakko, Gallery Kalleria, Helsinki, Finland
2023, Aqueerelles, Kallio Library, Helsinki, Finland
2023, Wallflower, Asbestos Art Space, Helsinki, Finland
2018, Aikoja, paikkoja ja ohikiitäviä hetkiä, Helsinki, Finland
2017, Safeguard II, Gallery Node, Helsinki, Finland
2017, Safeguard, Salakapakka, Espoo, Finland
Selected Group exhibitions
2024, Group exhibition, KOOLA Art Space Gallery, Helsinki, Finland
2024, Valo, Gallery Toinen Silmä, Helsinki, Finland
2019, The Long Walk, Comics Center, Helsinki, Finland
2018, Veto, Helsinki, Finland
2017, Floral Doggy, Helsinki, Finland
2017, Ultra, Tallinna Ülikool, Estonia
2016, Joku roti, Gallery Lume, Helsinki, Finland
2013, Juuri tässä ja nyt, Gallery Node, Helsinki, Finland
Selected collaborative shows
2023, Elon Lumous, w/ Säde Rinne & Juulia Jurvanen, Gallery Pihatto, Lappeenranta, Finland
Public artworks / Murals
2016: Senior home Hopeakotka, Espoo, Finland
2014: InSight Company, Helsinki, Finland
Art teaching
2019-, Art teacher, Arabian asukastalot ry, Helsinki
2020-2023, Art teacher, Jokiniemen peruskoulu, Vantaa
2016-2022, Art teacher, Pukinmäen taidekoulu, Helsinki
Illustrations
2021-2023, Haaga-Helia, illustrations on various projects, Helsinki, Finland.
2017, Kulttuurivihko magazine (1/2017, 3/2017, 4/2017, 6/2017).
2015, Book cover illustration: Maria Rusko, “Äidit” (2015).
Artist in residence & study trips
2024, Study trip / Workshop by Samuli Heimonen in Lappeenranta, Finland
2018-2019, Exchange Studies at the Univerzita Karlova (Charles University), Art Department, Prague, Czech Republic
Selected press
Ilkka Kuosmanen, ”Uskollinen koira hakee omistajansa vaikka kuoleman rajan takaa”, Etelä-Suomen Sanomat (2024).
Riina Nokso-Koivisto, ”Lappeenrannassa on tarjolla monia uusia näyttelyjä – Taidemuseo esittelee virolaisen taiteilijadynastian”, Etelä-Saimaa (2024).
Unions
Taidemaalariliitto