SANNA VAKKILAINEN
530 West 25th Street, New York, NY
Sanna Vakkilainen’s paintings explore the fluidity of abstraction through dynamic gestures and rich color, creating compositions that evoke the rhythms and energies of everyday life. Working primarily in oil on canvas, she also incorporates other mediums such as aquarelle on paper and acrylics or spray paint on plexiglass, hardboard, and metal, blending traditional techniques with experimental surfaces. Her process begins with the canvas laid on the floor, where she paints from multiple angles, embracing the physicality of creation and allowing elements of action painting to emerge organically.
Rooted in the sensory experiences of her surroundings, Vakkilainen draws inspiration from life’s fleeting moments—whether it’s a vivid sunset, a city’s unexpected color combination, or a melody that resonates deeply. Music, in particular, plays a crucial role, guiding the rhythm of her brushstrokes and influencing the layers of each painting. The interplay of sound and color transforms her canvases into a visual expression of emotion and movement.
Vakkilainen studied fine arts at the Free Art School in Helsinki. She exhibited in galleries locally and internationally and completed large-scale public work in Finland. Her paintings were featured in British Vogue’s Vogue’s Gallery as well as the May, June, and July 2024 paper issues. Her art is present in private and public collections throughout the world, including the Finnish State Art collection and the Finnish Art Society’s Art Lottery collection.
My work explores abstraction through the dynamic use of color and gesture, creating compositions that are both expressive and fluid. I primarily paint with oil on canvas but often incorporate other mediums like aquarelle on paper and acrylics or spray paint on plexiglass, hardboard, and metal. The canvases begin on the floor, where I move around them, painting from multiple angles and allowing the physicality of the process to influence the outcome. Elements of action painting come into play as I layer colors and textures, building a visual language that is both instinctive and deliberate.
Music plays a central role in my process, guiding the rhythm and energy of the work. The layers within each painting reflect this, shifting between different moods and energies as the music changes. My work is grounded in the sensations of life—its joys, its melancholy, and the everyday moments that inspire me. Rather than imposing a narrative, I invite viewers to engage with my paintings on their own terms, experiencing the energy and emotion that each piece embodies.
