Mervi Karhunen:
Steps into the Unknown

The painting process for the works in my exhibition has started from experimenting with the painting materials. I have worked with liquid colour and mostly without traditional painting tools. 

This kind of approach has helped me to let go of pre-planned results and has led me to an unknown territory of creativity. 

The painting process has become unexpected and fascinating and sometimes it has been difficult to even remember afterwards how a painting was created.

I hope that the viewer can recognize that kind of quality in my works and is able to step into this territory with me.

I have graduated as Master of Arts in painting from The Finnish Academy of Visual Arts and I work as a visual artist and art teacher in Helsinki. After academic studies in visual arts I have qualified as an expressive arts therapist, which has also influenced my work as an artist.

Additional influences for my artistic work are my childhood surrounded by visual arts, long travels to Asia, my interest in linguistic expression and my interest in the human experience and growth.