MIKA NATRI
MIKA NATRI
MIKA NATRI
MIKA NATRI
MIKA NATRI
MIKA NATRI
MIKA NATRI
MIKA NATRI
MIKA NATRI

MIKA NATRI

Between sculpture and painting

Mika Natri (b. 1969, Säynätsalo, Finland) is a Turku-based artist working in sculpture, painting, installation and public art. In recent years, Natri has explored the interface between sculpture and painting, blurring the clear distinction between a two- and three-dimensional work. Even when the work is considered a painting, its methods of execution are, for the most part, closer to sculpture. “Ultimately, whether a work is a sculpture or a painting is irrelevant to me – the process, the end result, challenging myself, learning new things, artistic development and self-reflection are the most important things for me that give content and meaning to my work.” – Mika Natri

Through abstract and figurative works, Natri addresses important global and social issues such as climate change, materialism, pollution, eco-disasters and war. His works are often based on personal feelings and thoughts about our society. He criticizes the Western view of the world, which is based on consumerism and constant economic growth. Society’s treatment of nature, which is seen as an infinite source of materials, is questioned. With his art and attitude towards life, Mika Natri wants to call for an end to the wasteful use of resources and introduce new, sustainable ways of thinking.

Natri is a member of the Union of Finnish Sculptors, the Turku Artists’ Association and the Jyväskylä Artists’ Association.

MIKA NATRI

MIKA NATRI

Exhibitions (selection)

Commissioned public sculptures 

  • Flower, Linnanfältti-area, Turku, 2021
  • Knot, As Oy Turun Clipper, Turku, 2020
  • Arches, Raisio City, 2020
  • Poppies, VASO-housing company, Turku, 2018
  • Abstraction, Albertinpiha, Jyväskylä, 2017
  • Off-Balance, Kaarina, VASO-housing company, 2013
  • The Tower and its Buddy, Helsinki, Lehtisaari Daycare center, 2012
  • Clouds, Salmela-corporation, Turku, 2006
  • Sampo, Finnish Literature Society, Helsinki, 2002

Collections

  • Finnish National Gallery
  • Helsinki Art Museum
  • Hospital District of Helsinki and Uusimaa Art Collections
  • Finnish Art Society
  • Wäinö Aaltonen Museum
  • Aboa Vetus&Ars Nova Museum/Matti Koivurinta Foundation
  • Turku Art Museum
  • Lönnström Art Museum
  • University of Jyväskylä
  • Turun Sanomat
  • City of Turku
  • Arts Academy at Turku University of Applied Sciences
  • Künstlerhaus Schloß Wiepersdorf, Germany

Commissions

  • road, Award Sculpture, SAFA, Finnish Association of People with Physical Disabilities, Building Information Group, 2015
  • Dot, Artists’ Association of Finland 150 years -stamp, 2014
  • Path, Academy of Finland’s Prize Sculpture, 2003

Solo exhibitions (selection)

  • Grande galerie, L’Oeil de Poisson, Quebec, Canada, 2022
  • Auran gallery, Turku, 2022, 2018, 2016, 2013, 2011 and 2009
  • Gallery Becker, Jyväskylä, 2021
  • Wave, Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova Museum, Gallery Takkahuone, Turku, 2014-15
  • Galerie Pleiku, Berlin, Germany, 2013
  • Consequence, Galerija Singular, Pula, Croatia, 2013
  • Paintings, Gallery G, Helsinki, 2013
  • Lönnström Art Museum, Studio, Rauma, 2009
  • Gallery AMA, Helsinki, 2008
  • Gallery AMA, Turku, 2007
  • Landscape, Kunstraum Malerhof Voigtholz, Germany, 2005
  • Beginning, Gallery AMA, Turku, 2003
  • From My Mind, Brinkkalan Ullakko, Turku, 2002

Group exhibitions (selection)

  • Between Light and Shadow, Galerie AOA;87, Bamberg, Germany, 2023
  • Aboa Vetus&Ars Nova Museum, Turku, 2021
  • Pirkanpohja Art Centre, Ähtäri, 2021
  • ART100+1, Jyväskylä Art Museum, Jyväskylä, 2017-18
  • From Still Life to Landscape, Aboa Vetus&Ars Nova Museum, Turku, 2016-17
  • Journey to the Heartlands, Saarijärvi Museum, 2015
  • Anxieties, Salo Art Museum, Salo, 2014
  • Union of Finnish Art Associations’ Annual Exhibition, Hyvinkää Art Museum, 2012-13
  • Jöötti 20 years, Estonian National Library, Tallinn, Estonia, 2011
  • XII Consciousness - Event of Contemporary Art, Hyvinkää Art Museum, 2011
  • Glow - Jöötti’s 20th Anniversary Exhibition, Aboa Vetus&Ars Nova Museum, Turku, 2010-11
  • Highlights-100th Anniversary of the Association of Finnish Sculptors, Wäinö Aaltonen Museum, Turku, 2010
  • Mänttä Art Festival, 2009 and 2003
  • Shepherd in a Cityscape, Wäinö Aaltonen Art Museum, Turku, 2007
  • The Guild of Medallic Art’s 40th Anniversary Exhibition, Tampere Art Museum, 2005
  • The 110th Finnish Artists´ Exhibition, Kunsthalle, Helsinki, 2005
  • Garden of Paradise, Helsinki City Art Museum, 2004
  • The 106th Finnish Artists´ Exhibition, The Museum of Central Finland, Jyväskylä, 2001

Awards

  • 1st Prize (shared), Stamp Design Competition, Artists’ Association of Finland and Itella, 2014
  • 1st Prize (shared), Annual Medal Competition, Guild of Medallic Art in Finland, 2008
  • 1st and 2nd Prize, Academy of Finland’s Art Competition, 2003
  • 1st Prize and 4th Place, Finnish Literary Society’s Art Competition, 2001