Painting childhood in Finland : visualization of childhood memories through artistic process

Abstract

The purpose of this thesis was to give a clearer picture of how Finnish painters show their childhood memories in their art and what factors influence the memories. The theoretic part of this research was done through books, articles, journals and web pages. Three main categories were found; how our memories are constructed, artist’s need for nostalgia and surrealism, subconscious and childhood.

In the research, three Finnish painters’ artworks, their press releases of exhibitions, artist’s websites and books were utilized. The three chosen artists were Jarmo Mäkilä, Mari Isotalo and Tiina Heiska. The chosen artists works and themes were analysed through the three categories highlighted in the first chapter of this abstract.

The fourth chapter of this thesis introduces my own process of making artworks for the final degree show of Tampere University of Applied Sciences. My own artworks are deeply rooted on early childhood memories. I made three paintings and combined them with roots made from paper.

The significance of the thesis is emphasized especially by the development of my own artistic process and the deepening of my thinking.