Mari Martikainen is a Helsinki-based visual artist whose practice is deeply rooted in fine art, while also spanning design and entrepreneurship on a global scale.
mari.martikainen@gmail.com
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Mari Martikainen is a Finnish visual artist whose artistic journey spans over 30 years. Her work draws deep inspiration from the natural world and explores both the visible and the invisible layers of life. Her latest solo exhibition, "Visible and Invisible", was held at the Kisko Stone Granary from May 31 to June 19, 2025, and featured a collection of 26 works created between 2020 and 2025.
These pieces were born in Mari’s studio, nestled in the quiet forests of Kisko, where nature offers space to breathe, reflect, and reconnect. The works explore internal landscapes, cosmic visions, microscopic details, and hidden systems of life—such as fungal mycelium networks that sustain ecological balance beneath the surface.
"Nature has always been my source of inspiration and comfort. It invites me to pause and reminds me that there is life even where we do not see it. My art is an invitation to look closer and feel deeper."
Mari works primarily with acrylics and mixed media. Her visual language blends abstract forms and organic textures, conveying a sense of wonder, stillness, and interconnection. Her artworks have been featured in private collections and exhibitions, including the notable ARS 11 at Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art.
While Mari also has a background in design and visual communication, in recent years her focus has increasingly returned to fine art. She works in her studio weekly—often daily—and continues to deepen her presence in the art field with commitment and joy.
In addition to her work as a visual artist, Mari is the co-founder of Mifuko, a design company with a social mission that collaborates with artisans in Kenya. As a WFTO and B Corp certified company, Mifuko shares Mari’s values of sustainability, beauty, and fairness.
CV
Education
2002 Master of Arts (MA) in Textile Art, University of Art and Design UIAH / Helsinki / Finland
1994-1996 Studies in textile art at The Kuopio Academy of Crafts and Design / Kuopio / Finland
1994 Graduation from Senior high school of Art / Lapinlahti / Finland
Solo exhibitions
2025 "Visible and Invisible" – Mari Martikainen's 50th Anniversary Exhibition, 31.5–19.6.2025, At Kisko Stone Warehouse gallery, Kisko / Finland
2016 Series: “Unikuvia“ and “Henkilökohtaisia vieraita”, Gallery Puuterihuone, 1.10.2016 - 30.12.2016 Helsinki / Finland
2014 “Yhtenä päivänä”-exhibition Gallery Huvila 17.5.2014 / Helsinki / Finland
2011 BE’19 Gallery 7.-25.9.2011 / Helsinki / Finland
2009 "Henkilökohtaisia vieraita"- exhibition at Cultural center Stoa / Helsinki / Finland
2006 Summer exhibition at Design hotel Maja / Helsinki / Finland
2002 Exhibition at Art goes kapakka-festival at restaurant Via / Helsinki / Finland
2002 Exhibition in Forum Box gallery / Helsinki / Finland
1999 Exhibition in Art goes kapakka-festival at Erottaja Bar / Helsinki /Finland
Group exhibitions
2020 AGENDA ART 2030 Exhibition "You and I general store"- installation together with Minna Impiö / Helsinki/ Finland
2013 “Yhdistävä tekijä” -exhibition 6.8. - 25.8.2013 Galleria Fogga / Helsinki / Finland
2013 “You and I general store” -exhibition Stoa gallery 20.2.-24.3.2013. together with Minna Impiö / Helsinki / Finland
2011 Children cultural center Rulla “Apinan kodissa, puiden keskellä”-exhibition Autumn 2011. Installation “Baobab”, together with Minna Impiö / Tampere / Finland
2011 Between tradition and future exhibition South Korea 21.9.–30.10.2011.
Installation “Bright view”, together with Minna Impiö / Cheongju / South Korea
2011 ARS11-Exhibition in Kouvola Art Museum, "You and I general store"- installation together with Minna Impiö / Kouvola / Finland
2008 "Triangel" Exhibition in Lapinlahti Art Museum, Acrylic paintings and installations / Lapinlahti / Finland
2004 "Viis tuumaa viinistä" ("Five thoughts of wine")- exhibition in Art goes Kapakka city festival, Restaurant Via / Helsinki
2003 "Jotain vanhaa, jotain uutta..." ("Something old, something new…") - exhibition with Viis tuumaagroup at Profounders-gallery / Helsinki
2003 "Viis tuumaa rakenteesta" (" Five thoughts of structure")- exhibition at Jetty Barracks gallery / Helsinki
1998 "Maton monet muodot" ("Many forms of carpet")- Carpet exhibition, Artek / Helsinki
Other exhibits
2008 Two paintings, Genelec Oy Headquarter / Iisalmi / Finland
Public art
2007 Acoustic artwork "Hiljaiset puut" ("Silent trees") (12 x 2,8 m) to Diakonissalaitos restaurant Alppica / Helsinki / Finland
2006 Acoustic artwork "Hiljaiset puut" ("Silent trees") at Aamon showroom together with interior designer Krista Kosonen/ Helsinki / Finland
2003 Textilework, Genelec Oy Headquarter / Iisalmi / Finland
2002 Textilework, Open University of Helsinki, Group work: Martikainen, Väisänen, Wassholm / Helsinki / Finland
Work
2009- Mifuko Oy design company other co-founder
2008 Many textile print designs sold for local and international markets
2008 Children Fishing tent design for Baltic ocean happening by Helsingin Sanomat / Helsinki / Suomi
2008 Dressdesign for "Lentoon"- Children theater festival / Helsinki / Suomi
2008 30th Anniversary book layout for Genelec Oy
2007 Many print designs sold for local and international markets
2007 Visual and scenery design to"Rakkaimmat rokit"-rock convert at Juhlaviikko festival / Helsinki / Finland
2006 Scenery and dressing design to theatre play "Sii mu see!"
2005 Visual update for Portaanpää Christian institute
2003-2006 Art designer for Genelec Oy
2003 Scenery and dressing design to theatre play "Pöllö Huitaisee" ("Owl whisk")
2002 Custom made Textile artwork to private home / Helsinki / Finland
2002 Teaching in printing course at University of Art and Design / Helsinki / Finland
2002 Scenery, dressing and graphic design to theatre play "Perhosen housut"("Butterflys pants")
1999 Carpet design for carpet company Saltex Oy / Finland
1997 Interior design for restaurant / Helsinki / Finland
1996 Freelancer design for Genelec Oy : exhibition design for international fairs, interior designing and visual consulting
Entries
2009 Acoustic artwork "Hiljaiset puut" ("Silent trees") in Finnish Design Yearbook 2008-09
2010 Mifuko Oy collection in Finnish Design Yearbook 2010-11