Solo exhibition
STRABAG Kunstforun 2024, Vienna
12.1.2024 – 8.2.2024
The Finnish artist Jósefina Alanko deals with the matriarchal roots of her country in her works. The inclusion of female symbols in her art goes beyond a mere sexualization or autobiographical elements and aims at a universal language that opens up a broader, archetypal area of female care and motherhood. Alanko’s inspiration is not limited to certain mythologies or scientific findings, but stems from spiritual sources, memories and the activation of cultural “DNA memory”.
In addition, Jósefina Alanko weaves these inspirations into her artistic practice by including ceramics, extended acrylic painting, raw canvases, textiles, geam, sand, etc. into her works. Alanko draws on this potential and creates an infinite variety of organic forms. Their canvases often have pockets or bag-like structures that are elaborately sewn and protrude like sculptural elements from the picture or retreat behind it. This dynamic interplay between three-dimensionality and pictorial finesse gives their creations a captivating depth.
Jósefina Alanko is working on her current works in Austria, making ceramics in Poland and is inspired by Finland to develop her art philosophy. Just as her paintings grow beyond the canvas and await further expansion, her ceramics are ready to grow and enrich their abstract drawing system.
Text: Vít Havránek, Vice Dean of International Relations, Academy of Fine Arts, Prague
Jury member STRABAG Artaward International
Photos: Rudi Froese
JÓSEFINA ALANKO 