Hanna-Maija Pääkkönen
Portfolio
Body of work
2023-2024
the body issue(s)
(‘The body issue(s)’ invites viewers to confront their perceptions of bodies and their portrayal in art and society. It explores how we view bodies in a world shaped by curated, edited digital content. Read more.
2023
silent party
In Finnish culture, silence holds profound significance, often viewed as a form of communication in itself. Silent party was both a cultural experiment and an artistic challenge. On a February Monday morning, the artist traversed the Helsinki metro route while wearing headphones, dancing through the journey. Read more.
2022-2023
(re)construction of
(re)construction of dived into the rabbit holes of social media and influencing: the one stop shop for cheap dopamine and easy solutions. The artist spent 6 months manipulating her Instagram feed and saving the commercial material the algorithm served her. The piece crosses from dance to performance to moving installation, and back again. Read more.
2022
representations of power
Public space is subject to constant negotiation and articulation between the individual and the collective. As such, it reflects the power structures of society as well as the socio-spatial experiences of individuals. A performance by Hanna-Maija Pääkkönen and Katriina Haikala. Read more.
2023
prendre
Prendre - Fench for: to take hold of something, to grasp, to seize, to pick a road, to set out on a journey. To choose something when you have many things to choose from. To get, to receive.
To something to get solid. An audiovisual movement exploration of floating between choosing and forced change. Read more.
2020-2021
decent women
The space allowed for women in the society is constantly controlled and restricted by the concept of ’decency’. Decent Women addresses this imbalance of power by drawing in to light the rules, contradictions and restrictions imposed on women. A performance by Hanna-Maija Pääkkönen and Katriina Haikala. Read more.
2020-2021
bitchcraft - the exhibitionist
A study of the rituals of beautification, examining their transformation into objectification. The performance contemplated the significance of feminine rituals and symbols when showcased in an exhibition setting that reduces adornments to symbols of societal expectations. Read more.
2021
moving recollections
Moving Recollections debuted in May 2021 within an unoccupied retail space amidst a lockdown that shuttered all of Helsinki's cultural venues. Spectators observed the performance through the windows, turning casual passersby and traffic into unintended spectators against the backdrop of ever-changing visual landscapes. Read more.
2019
textual motion at the box
A multidisciplinary work that combined stories by the audience, modern poetry, recitation and dance improvisation. The work explored encounters and their interfaces; instants turned into encounters, stories of these moments turned to texts and text interpreted as emotions through motion. Read more.
2018
womenhood // humanhood
Exploration of social privileges and the right of women to be seen and heard in society. Inspired by the division between social spheres—domestic versus public, private versus communal—the piece depicted embodied encounters within these realms, elucidating gendered social structures. Read more.
Picture: alex mervereux
Bio
With over a decade of experience, I am a seasoned artist known for my multidisciplinary approach to creation. Born in Finland, raised in Finland and Nicaragua, I draw inspiration from my dual upbringing and have worked in multiple projects both in Europe and Latin America.
My work has been showcased in theaters, galleries, festivals and institutions such as Kiasma Theatre, Gallery Forum Box, NG Art, STOA, Caisa and Gallery Pirkko-Liisa Topelius. I have also created several performances for public spaces. You can find my curriculum here.
artist statement
At the core of my practice is a strive to create art that fosters understanding in an increasingly interconnected yet polarized world. I believe firmly in the transformative power of art to incite social change, and advocate passionately for its integral role in understanding our lived experiences.
In a fragmented and polarized world, multidisciplinary art emerges as a powerful vehicle for exploration and expression. It allows us to navigate the complexities of human experience, offering nuanced perspectives that transcend conventional limits.
I currently work with movement, space, image and text. Through this fusion, I strive to transcend the traditional boundaries of art and science, prompting audiences to reimagine notions of knowledge, memory, and the tangible comprehension of subject, object and power.
Through my diverse body of work, I endeavor to ignite conversations, challenge perspectives, and inspire action, recognizing art as not only a reflection of society but also a catalyst for its evolution.
Projects
Tanssien maailman ympäri
2024
CHILDREN’S BOOK
Multicultural childrens book about dance. Written with the support of The Association of Finnish Nonfiction Writers.
Dance Around the World
2021-2022
DANCE PORTAL & CHILDREN’S BOOK
‘Dance around the world’ project produced an online dance portal for 10-17-year-olds and a book called ‘Dance - an information book for young enthusiasts’ that introduced dance art for young readers. Read more.
Plataforma virtual de arte
2020
VIRTUAL EXHIBTION
A virtual exhibition showcasing works by 50 young Latin American artists. Exhibition was curated by Hanna-Maija Pääkkönen and produced by Textual Motion Company. Read more.
Made by Us
2020
YOUTH ART PROJECT
Made by Us dance art project offered young people between the ages of 14 and 17 an opportunity to participate in versatile art workshops free of charge. During the project, the participants created their own choreographic production. Read more.
Live Love Dance Helsinki
2014-2016
CHARITY EVENT
Early charity event in Helsinki.
Curriculum
Education Doctor of Philosophy 2019 Faculty of Arts, University of Helsinki Master of Arts (MA) 2011 Faculty of Arts, University of Helsinki Bachelor of Arts (BA) 2007 Faculty of Arts, University of Helsinki |
Additional Professional Education 2024 Contemporary art in a global world / University of Helsinki 2023 Perspectives on design history and design history research / University of Helsinki 2023 Perspectives on art history: colonialism, piety and abundance / University of Helsinki 2023 Trends in European and Finnish art history from the 17th century to the end of the 19th century / University of Helsinki 2022 Decolonizing Tertiary Dance Education: Time to Act / Stockholm University of the Arts 2022 Decolonizing the Body – A Question of Technique / Stockholm University of the Arts 2020 Breath- Gaze -Space, workshop on Carl Knif’s somatic method / Zodiak Center for New Dance, Helsinki 2019 Wise Motion Workshops / Helsinki |
Performance Art 2023 (re)construction of / Yö Fest 3.5, Helsinki, FI 2023 (re)construction of / NG Art & Creative, Maussanne, FR 2023 Silent Party, Helsinki's public transport 2022 Representation of Power / performance series in Helsinki's public areas 2022 Decent Women / Gallery Pirkko-Liisa Topelius / Helsinki 2021 Decent Women ft Vendetta theater / Gallery Forum Box , Helsinki 2021 Bitchcraft - the Exhibitionist / Helsinki |
Selected Works as Choreographer and Dancer 2023 Virpi Saahko: Tänään nimeni on tänään / Cultural Centre Caisa, Helsinki 2021 Moving Recollections / Helsinki 2019 Textual Motion at the Box / Gallery Forum Box, Helsinki 2019 Smooth / Theater Sampo, Helsinki, FI 2019 It’s Our Time to Listen / Helsinki, Los Angeles 2019 Intermixtures / Theater Sampo, Helsinki, FI 2018 Boxed Up! / Cultural Center STOA, Helsinki, FI 2018 Womenhood // Humanhood / Cultural Center STOA, Helsinki 2017 New York – Puerto Rico –La Habana / Tulli- ja Pakkahuone, Helsinki 2016 Spring Fling / Astoria-hall, Helsinki 2015 Something Old, Something New / Astoria-hall Helsinki 2015 Pintor / Astoria-hall, Helsinki 2010 What Goes Around / Cultural Arena Gloria, Helsinki 2009 Dance.fi Rockers at URB / Urban Art Festival / Kiasma, Helsinki 2007 Principal Dancer / Fantasia Cubana, Helsinki 2006 Principal Dancer / MediCuba Finland / Helsinki 2002-2007 Dancer at Grupo Salsa de Cuba / Helsinki 2002 Dancer at Danza AfroCubana / Savoy Theater, Helsinki 2000-2001 Dancer at Grupo Afro Salsa Viva / Helsinki |
Residencies and Exhibitions 2024 KOOLA art space, Helsinki, solo exhibition 2024 Galleria Toinen Silmä, Helsinki, group exhibition 2023 NG Art Gallery, group exhibition, Maussane, France 2023 NG Art & Creative, Maussane, France 2020 home residence of Kone Foundation |
Pedagogical Experience and Experience as Working Group Leader 2022 Movement and creativity – trainings, in cooperation with the Cultural Action of Mexico City, Mexico 2021 Dances around the world - portal, working group leader (with the support of Taike), Helsinki 2020 Made by Us – youth dance art project, working group leader (with SKR support), Helsinki 2020 Plataforma Virtual de Arte – Young Latin American Artists, curator and working group leader, Helsinki 2020–2021 Part-time dance teacher, line specializing in dance at Kruunuhaa Middle School, Helsinki 2015–2017 Live Love Dance Helsinki event producer and coordinator, Helsinki 2010–2022 Studio Tambor, Helsinki – teacher responsible for pedagogical design, Helsinki 2012-2013 Cultura Salsera - open workshops and teacher training for professionals, Managua & León, Nicaragua 2009–2012 Taidetehtaan tanssikoulu – dance teacher, Porvoo 2002–2011 Dance school Salsa de Cuba – dance teacher, Helsinki |
Grants and Scholarships 2024 The Association of Finnish Nonfiction Writers personal working grant 2024 Wihuri Foundation personal working grant 2023 City of Helsinki personal project grant 2022 City of Helsinki project assistance as part of a working group 2021 City of Helsinki project assistance as part of a working group 2021 TAIKE personal working grant 2020 SKR Uusimaa fund personal working grant 2020 Koneen Säätiö, home residency personal working grant 2013 Youth Research Society travel grant 2012 Chancellor of the University of Helsinki travel grant 2012 University of Helsinki Science Foundation young researcher's grant for a year's work 2009 Humanities and Social Sciences Fund scholarship |
Languages Finnish - native Spanish - excellent working proficiency English - excellent working proficiency Swedish - limited working proficiency French - limited working proficiency Estonian - elementary proficiency Portuguese - elementary proficiency German - elementary proficiency |
2022-2023
the body issue(s)
‘The body issue(s)’ invites viewers to confront their own perceptions of bodies and the portrayal of bodies in arts and society. It challenges us to consider how we perceive our bodies in an environment where everything is curated, edited, and transformed into a constant digital stream of consumption. The work combines movement ant visual arts as the artist transforms her movements, and her body, into a deconstructed, norm defining imaginary.
With a background in dance, the artist has been particularly interested in body-specific hierarchies and has used her own body as a vessel to create the works in this series. The title refers to an earlier publication by Elle magazine, The Body Issue, which during the early 2000s, when the artist was in her early twenties, predominantly featured heavily edited and curated images of female bodies, along with dieting tips, to conform to societal norms.
The original works were showcased in a solo exhibition at KOOLA art space in September 2024. Selected works were also exhibited at group exhibitions at The Holy Art Paris Gallery in September 2024 and Galleria Toinen Silmä in Helsinki in November 2024.
Pictures by Martina Näreharju and Hanna-Maija Pääkkönen.
2022-2023
(re)construction of
(re)construction of dived into the rabbit holes of social media and influencing: the one stop shop for cheap dopamine and easy solutions. The artist spent 6 months manipulating her Instagram feed and saving the commercial material that the algorithm served her. The audiovisuals of the piece were constructed from the material collected.
The piece crosses from dance to performance to moving installation, and back again while exploring identity building, self-help, success stories and social media exposure and the constant performance we execute daily in the spotlight of our own social circles.
Preview performance of the material in France April 2023 at NG Art Creative Residency & Gallery.
First public performance in Finland May 2023 as a part of Yö Fest vol 3. art festival, Helsinki.
Supported by City of Helsinki.
Pictures by Martina Näreharju.
2023
prendre
"Prendre" is a French term encompassing various meanings: it signifies seizing, grasping, choosing from multiple options, receiving, and solidifying.
Derived from Pääkkönen's creative residency in France during the spring of 2023, "Prendre" is an audiovisual journey delving into the ambiguity of seeking novel ideas and uncharted routes.
The work was a part of the NG Art Creative Gallery’s autumn 2023 collective showcase in Maussanne-les-Alpilles, France.
2023
silent party
In Finnish culture, silence holds profound significance, often viewed as a form of communication in itself. Silence is valued for its ability to convey respect, contemplation, and emotional depth, serving as a means of connection between individuals.
The silent party served as both a cultural experiment and an artistic challenge. On a February Monday morning, the artist traversed the Helsinki metro route while wearing headphones, dancing through the journey. The entire experience was documented on video, capturing the unique fusion of personal expression and public space interaction.
Excerpts from the video documentation by Alex Mervereux.
2022
representations of power
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The only statue in Helsinki in the likeness of an actual woman is Alpo Sailo’s memorial to Larin Paraske.
20%
Only 20% of Helsinki’s almost 500 public art pieces and monuments are made by a female artist.
Public space is subject to constant negotiation and articulation between the individual and the collective. As such, it reflects the power structures of society as well as the socio-spatial experiences of individuals.
The performance seeks answers to questions such as; who gets to be seen in the public space? Who’s life and legacy is celebrated? Who has the privilege to participate?
”Representations of Power”, a performance by Hanna-Maija Pääkkönen and Katriina Haikala makes the dynamics of power in the urban public space visible through performative art while exploring, and possibly dismantling, the existing power structures.
Supported by City of Helsinki.
2021-2022
decent women
Forum Box & Gallery Pirkko-Liisa Topelius, Helsinki
The space allowed for women in the society is constantly controlled and restricted by the concept of ’decency’. Being decent defines whether a woman is accepted and valued in the society.’Decent Women’, a performance by Hanna-Maija Pääkkönen and Katriina Haikala, dismantles this balance of power by drawing in to light the rules, contradictions and restrictions imposed on women.
The interplay of dance and drawing brings to light the rules, contradictions and restrictions imposed on women, underlined by questions of power and agency.
The artists explore the interfaces of motherhood, sexuality, power and corporeality through a multifaceted interactive performance that challenges both the artists and the audience.
Decent Women premiered in Gallery Forum Box Helsinki, Finland in 2021 and has been performed also in 2022 at Gallery Pirkko-Liisa Topelius, Helsinki, Finland.
Work supported by Kone Foundation and City of Helsinki.
Pictures by Alex Marvereux and Martina Näreharju
2021
moving recollections
Exploring the dynamics of connection and isolation, as well as the impact of physical distance on our perceptions, Moving Recollections debuted in May 2021 within an unoccupied retail space amidst a lockdown that shuttered all of Helsinki's cultural venues.
Spectators observed the performance through the windows, turning casual passersby and traffic into unintended spectators against the backdrop of ever-changing visual landscapes.
This duet for two dancers transformed the empty store into a poignant stage, offering a reflection on human interaction and spatial constraints during the challenging times of the 2021 lockdown.
Concept and choreography / Hanna-Maija Pääkkönen
Dance / Hanna-Maija Pääkkönen & Alejandro Flores Monroy
2020-2021
bitchraft - the exhibitionist
’bitchcfrat - the exhibitionist’ delved into the rituals of beautification, examining their transformation into objectification. The performance contemplated the significance of feminine rituals and symbols when showcased in an exhibition setting that reduces adornments to symbols of societal expectations.
The work prompted reflection on societal perceptions and expectations surrounding beauty, vanity and exhibitionism.
Performed in two public events in Helsinki 2021.
2019
textual motion at the box
Forum Box, Helsinki
A multidisciplinary work that combined stories by the audience, algorithm poetry and dance improvisation. The work explored encounters and their interfaces; instants turned into encounters, stories of these moments turned to texts and text interpreted as emotions through motion.
Creative director, concept and production / Hanna-Maija Pääkkönen
Assistant Director / Alejandro Flores Monroy
Text / Henrik Pathirane
Motion / Elina Valtonen, Meri-Tuuli Hirvonen, Veera Leppänen, Taru Miettinen, Hanna-Maija Pääkkönen
Voice / Outi Ikonen, Heikki Mäkäräinen
Costumes / Minna Paussu Design
Pictures / Martina Näreharju
2019
womenhood // humanhood
STOA, Helsinki
Solo delved into the exploration of social privileges and the assertion of women's visibility and voice within society. It immersed viewers into various female experiences.
Drawing from Pääkkönen’s own life, including her diaries, poems, and personal reflections shaped by gendered encounters, the artwork resonated with broader societal discussions. Inspired by anthropologist Roberto DaMatta’s contrast between social spheres—domestic versus public, private versus communal—the piece depicted embodied encounters within these realms, elucidating gendered social structures.
Choreography, dance, costume design / Hanna-Maija Pääkkönen
Lighting design / Milka Salonen
Sound / Juho Pääkkönen
Pictures / Martina Näreharju
Premiere in May 2018 at the Cultural Center STOA in Helsinki, Finland.
