Raija Jokinen Explained

Raija Jokinen (born 1960) is a Finnish visual artist and textile designer. Jokinen lives and works in Helsinki and Sipoo.

History

Jokinen studied textile design at the University of Art and Design Helsinki (UIAH, former TaiK). She graduated with a master's degree in textile design in 1990. In her professional career Jokinen first used paper yarns and handmade paper for her art works, later she turned to flax, the linen fibre.[1]

Style

Jokinen created a unique technique of combining the use of fiber with sewing (machine embroidery). As a result, she creates works of arts that evoke a light and airy impression but are at the same time considerably durable. She often depicts parts of the human body such as blood vessels or nerves which are transformed into branches of plants and roots. Her method has been compared to drawing and sculpting, replacing the chisel or brush with sewing.[2] Often, Jokinen's work deals with the individual's bodily and emotional inner condition.

Prizes and exhibitions

Jokinen participated in numerous exhibitions inside and outside Finland, among others in the UK, France, Germany, the US and China.[6] Her works are also on display in public spaces. In 2020 her 30th professional anniversary was celebrated with a retrospective in the Finnish city of Valkeakoski.

Notes and References

  1. https://kuvataiteilijamatrikkeli.fi/en/taiteilija/raija-jokinen The Artists' Association of Finland: Artist Register: Raija Jokinen
  2. Charlotte Vannier: From Thread to Needle: Contemporary Embroidery Art. Gingko Press, 2019, pp. 184-187.
  3. https://www.ornamo.fi/fi/artikkeli/vuoden-tekstiilitaiteilija-2020-30-vuotista-uraansa-juhliva-raija-jokinen/ Ornamo: Association of Finnish Textile Designers
  4. https://www.sipoonsanomat.fi/artikkeli/832929-sipoon-kunnan-kulttuuripalkinto-elamanlankaa-hellivalle-raija-jokiselle-visualisoin Sipoo News from January 14, 2020
  5. https://www.taike.fi/fi/uutinen/-/news/791983 Art Promotion Centre Finland
  6. http://www.raijajokinen.fi/raija_cv.pdf List of exhibitions until 2018