ARTS & COLLECTIBLES
SPECTRUM OF SHE
Galerie Forsblom presents “Tears are My Butterflies,” an exhibition by Jenni Hiltunen that showcases her vibrant exploration of gender and identity through paintings on canvas and paper, along with a selection of sculptures.
Jenni Hiltunen, Yet untitled, 2024
Oil on canvas,
170h x 200w cm, 66.93h x 78.74w in
In the dynamic world of contemporary art, Jenni Hiltunen stands out for her compelling exploration of gender and identity. Central to her oeuvre are female figures that reflect her personal experiences, embodying her existence as both a girl and a woman. Over the years, Hiltunen’s personal life has increasingly influenced her art, not as straightforward autobiography or self-portraiture, but through nuanced depictions of her inner reality. The characters in her paintings often represent herself, her friends, and loved ones, alongside imaginary figures that propose alternate realities.
However, Hiltunen’s artistic vision extends beyond gender themes. Her paintings are intricate, multi-layered narratives that invite viewers to derive their own interpretations. For Hiltunen, the interplay of light and color is as crucial as the subject matter itself. Her masterful use of color has become a defining characteristic of her work, making her pieces instantly recognizable.
Jenni Hiltunen, Yet untitled, 2024
Oil on canvas,
200h x 250w cm, 78.74h x 98.43w in
Her latest exhibition, “Tears are My Butterflies,” at Galerie Forsblom, showcases this signature style. The exhibition includes paintings on canvas and paper, as well as a selection of sculptures. While primarily a painter, Hiltunen has also ventured into sculpting, finding parallels between the tactile processes of molding clay and applying paint. Her works on paper, a medium she has long favored, exhibit a vivid immediacy that underscores her dynamic approach.
Born in 1981, Jenni Hiltunen is a graduate of the Turku Arts Academy (2004) and the Finnish Academy of Fine Arts (2007). She has held numerous solo and group exhibitions both in Finland and internationally. Her work is featured in prominent Finnish collections, including the Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma and the Saastamoinen Foundation Collection. Hiltunen continues to captivate audiences with her vibrant, thought-provoking art that challenges and enriches the discourse on gender and identity.