Mikko Paakkonen
‘Penmanship’
An exhibition of abstract paintings.
Opening party: 17.00 – 20.00, 1 March 2024, all welcome
Exhibition dates: 2 – 31 of March 2024
In this captivating exhibition, artist Mikko Paakkonen delves into the intricate interplay between handwriting and painting. Rather than viewing handwriting solely as a conveyer of intentional information, Paakkonen transforms it into a dynamic form of mark-making and gesture. Within the realm of his canvases, writing takes on a new life – a series of expressive actions that leave a lasting imprint. Drawing inspiration from the energetic movements reminiscent of calligraphy classes in elementary school, Paakkonen skillfully wields strokes of varying speeds across different surfaces.
Embracing the concept of asemic writing, a theme that weaves through his paintings in diverse contexts, Paakkonen explores a method of capturing the essence of the writing act itself. The canvases become a testament to the residual traces of these deliberate and spontaneous strokes, inviting viewers into a mesmerizing world where the boundaries between writing and painting blur, giving rise to a unique and thought-provoking visual experience.
Mikko Paakkonen (b.1990 Helsinki) lives and works in Finland.He has an MA from Academy of Fine Arts of Helsinki, and has exhibited in numerous solo exhibitions in Finland, Germany and Austria. He’s also been invited to participate in numerous group shows, including Mäntän kuvataideviikot.
