OAF Paris Pop-Up 2023
The Finnish outsider art group exhibition Imagine Everyday! Outsider Art Finland was on display at the Finnish Institute in France (Institut finlandais) in Paris from April 14 to July 13, 2023. Curated alongside the exhibition was a sales collection featuring art products, music, literature, zines, textiles, and virtual art experiences by Finnish outsider artists. The opening weekend program (April 13–16) included artist meet-and-greets, performances, a short film screening, and two True Equality brunches. The event featured a multidisciplinary collection of works by over 60 artists across visual and performing arts, film, literature, and music.
The group exhibition showcased art crafts and a video artwork by Satu & Maria Tani (winners of the Outsider Art Festival’s 2022 Artist Award), drawings by Kalevi Helvetti and Riina Noro, sculptures by Satu Nekala, alongside art prints and textile works by Johanna Konttinen. The exhibition was co-curated by the Outsider Art Festival’s artistic working group and Sofía Lanusse, Director of the Outsider Art Fair.
This initiative promoted the recognition and accessibility of Finnish outsider art, while fostering diversity within the art field, equality, artist employment, and international collaboration between artists and art professionals. The project was realized in collaboration with Pertin Valinta, the Outsider Art Festival, the Autism Foundation Finland, Alvi ry, the Kyrö Distillery Company, and the Finnish Institute in France. Financial support for the project was provided by the Ministry of Education and Culture and Frame Contemporary Art Finland.
Read more:
Imagine Everyday! Outsider Art Finland 14.04. – 13.07.2023 – Institut finlandais
Interview with Teresa Välimäki and Sami Helle – Institut finlandais
Interview with Heini Merkkiniemi from Pertti’s Choice – Institut finlandais
Interview with Satu Tani and Maria Tani – Institut finlandais