The subjects of Raatikainen’s paintings stem from a vivid inner world as vision-like images. The paintings’ interpretations of inner states and spaces of change depict transforming forces that elude concepts and narratives, forces that flow beneath the surface in all of us.
The light works featured in the exhibition were created using the artist’s own technique, where light shines through a colorless painting medium. This technique allows for the layering of multiple drawings, causing the images to merge and intertwine as light filters through them.
Raatikainen is fascinated by various conceptual systems and stories, through which we have throughout history tried to understand and explain our experiences of the world, ourselves, and translinguistic otherness. Her works are influenced by art history and archaic forms of expression, depth psychology, esotericism and science fiction, natural sciences and new technologies.
Anu Raatikainen is a visual artist based in Helsinki, working with light, painting, drawing, sculpture, video, animation, 3D animation, and performance art. Light is a common theme and element in her works, and she has also worked with light art through curating and association activities.
Raatikainen graduated with a Master of Fine Arts degree from the Academy of Fine Arts in December 2017. Her works have been on display at solo and group exhibitions in Finland, Sweden, Japan, and Italy. From 2022 to 2024, she worked on the Phototaxis project, funded by the Kone Foundation. The aim of the project was to create a light-centered work to be displayed in nature. The project reached towards nature through recent research on light pollution, AR technology, myths, and prehistoric and astronomical influences. Prior to that, her most recent solo exhibitions have taken place at Oksasenkatu 11 in Helsinki, Vaasa Art Hall, and MUU Gallery in Helsinki. In addition to her own artistic work, Raatikainen has acted as curator of the Material Light group exhibition, which was organized in collaboration with MUU ry, the Finnish Light Art Society FLASH, and the Northern Photography Center in 2021–2022.
