BACKGROUND

Heidi Ukkonen, born in 1980 in Stockholm, Sweden, is an artist whose captivating paintings construct a mesmerizing utopian world. Her artworks resonate with a compelling narrative, depicting characters immersed in imaginative everyday scenarios that blur the boundaries between reality and the fantastical.

The artist’s brushstrokes expertly reveal the intricate interplay between figures and their environments, offering a playful distortion of contemporary animations within modern society. Her artistic expressions transcend traditional boundaries, seamlessly blending diverse textures and materials to create almost sculptural pieces.

Heidi’s creative process is an ongoing exploration, fueled by a perpetual quest for captivating structures to unveil. Influenced by her formative experiences at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp and inspired by the profound artistic legacies of Guston, Matisse, and Bosch, her artwork resonates with explosive bursts of color and humour, igniting contemplation and amusement. Heidi navigates the intricate balance between emotions, carefully moving between humour and melancholy, optimism, and despair. Her artistic journey invites viewers into a world where the ordinary takes on an extraordinary and unusual form. From the unconventional emerges beauty, and within pain lies the chorus of laughter. Her paintings stand as an invitation to explore the enigmatic landscapes of her boundless imagination.

EDUCATION

2015

Royal Academy of Fine Art Antwerp (BE), Master of Fine Arts, painting

2014

Royal Academy of Fine Art Antwerp (BE), Bachelor of Fine Arts, painting

PROJECT COÖRDINATOR / CREATIVE DESIGN

2019

Kunstpodium T, Tilburg (NL) − Cowboys and Aliens: Koen Taeslaar, Kristen Dirkx, Mila Xinyue, Ralf Kokke, Jóhanna Kristbjörg Sigurðardóttir, David Noro, Heidi Ukkonen
Overamstel Uitgevers, Antwerp (BE) − No Sweat: Benny Van Den Meulengracht-Vrancx, Aurelie Salavert, David Noro, Amber Andrews, Felix de Clerq
GIFC, Antwerp (BE)

2018

Showhouse Jay Jay, Antwerp (BE) − Bob’s Your Uncle: ABC-Klubhuis, Coen Vunderink, Diana Roig, Hannelore Vandepoel, Helene Meyer, Pieter Jennes, Victoria Iranzo, Victoria Parvanova & Ime Su Ozbilge
Showhouse Jay Jay, Antwerp (BE) − The Ball Is In Your Court: Guy Vording, Warre Mulder, Denie Put, Lysandre Begijn, Annea Lyvv Dreisz
Showhouse Jay Jay, Antwerp (BE) − Screw your courage to the sticking place: Jack Davey, Maartje Folkeringa, Ralf Kokke, Robert Roest, Emilia Ukkonen & Heidi Ukkonen

PUBLICATIONS

2023

L'OFFICIEL, Kaat Wyers, August
Marie Claire, Etienne Heylen, Belgium July/August
De Standard Magazine 10-11 June
Kunstletters #021 April/June

2022

The Art Coach, Maya Toebat, Issue #9
212 Magazine, “Heidi Ukkonen: Remains of the Day”, Spring-Summer 2022, issue 13: Herland
Juxtapoz Magazine, Suspirium

2021

(PR)OXYMORON, Het Initiatief, a collaboration between art lovers Frans Penne, Yves Vanpevenaege, Alain V. and Johan Van Tittelboom and artist Joëlle Dubois.
Atelier Aan De Slag Met Kunst, “Door Weer En Wind”, Merel Van De Nieuwenhof, November/December 2021

2020

Archive 00 by Saint Maison
Juxtapoz Magazine, “And After All, You're My ‘Wunderwall’ with Heidi Ukkonen”, Ralf Kokke and David Noro
Four You Gallery, Angeliki Kim Jonsson
Juxtapoz Magazine, Sasha Bogojev

CONTACT

E-MAIL

HEIDI.UKKON@GMAIL.COM

@UKKON

Design by Jordy Philips

INDEX

HEIDI UKKONEN

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