Tuomas Korkalo
Born: 1978
Hometown: Rovaniemi
Based in: Rovaniemi
Born: 1978
Hometown: Rovaniemi
Based in: Rovaniemi
Tuomas Korkalo (1978, Rovaniemi) is a Finnish artist, painter and curator currently based in Rovaniemi, Finnish Lapland / Finland. He studied Fine Arts at Imatra Art School (Imatra, Finland) wherefrom he graduated in 2008. Korkalo paints draw and create art installations. The abstract and geometric forms that Korkalo employs on canvas are evocative of early 20th-century aesthetics as seen in the Bauhaus and Russian avant-garde movement for example. Unlike the Bauhaus aesthetics, he implements watercolour -like technique in his art that adds a complementary lightness to his works. In these works, the geometric and colourful compositions, employed on the canvas by the artist, function by themselves, creating a comforting feeling derived from the pureness of form and symmetry. Korkalo masters both, solo and teamwork, and he also works widely in various international and interdisciplinary projects. He has had solo and group exhibitions in Finland and abroad since 2000. Tuomas Korkalo is a member of the Finnish Painters´ Union and Artists´ Association of Lapland
What inspires you?
One of the most important moments in my artistic career was seeing Kazimir Malevich's Black Square in 2006. Another notable thing besides Russian Avant-Garde and constructivism, minimalism and abstract art has been to get to know the architecture and design of the Bauhaus school. Also, colour theories interest me.
Describe your creative process.
For me, abstract painting is a game like a puzzle and problem-solving. Just as colour requires other colours to engender a mutual interaction, so form itself requires other forms for counterbalance. The act of combining perfect randomness with centralised expression may well be the most significant paradox which is embodied in my work.
Who are some artists that have influenced your work?
Kazimir Malevits, Olga Rozanova, Donald Judd, David Hockney
Education
Imatra Art School, Fine Art Department, BA
Finland, 2008
Exhibitions
Kemi Art Museum, Takaa ajatusten virran - Behind the flow of thoughts
Finland, 2021
Rovaniemi Art Museum, Lifeline - from the collection of Jenny and Antti Wihuri Foundation
Finland, 2020
Solo show "ZAUM", Gallery 68, Helsinki
Finland, 2020
Solo show "Maalauksia - Paintings", Gallery Tuula Y, Rovaniemi
Finland, 2020
Solo show "Maalauksia - Paintings" Gallery Harmaja, Oulu
Finland, 2020
Northern Direction - Värihyökkäys V, Dialog, Novgorod Art Hall
Russia, 2020
"Transcendance", Knot the artist collective, Galerie Ménil´8, Paris
France, 2020