Reeta [Leena Orvokki] Hiltunen

Finnish born, young contemporary visual artist/printmaker.

Working closely with traditional printmaking techniques--silkscreen and hand-drawing combined with the aid of digital computer graphics tools. Studies in London and New York. Graduated 2005 from Middlesex University [London], with a BA degree in Fine Arts. Currently working and completing MA degree Arts studies in Finnish Academy of Fine Arts, Helsinki.

I grew up In Joensuu, a small working town in Eastern Finland. By the 90’s the economic depression was largely affecting the community. During the time refugees, mainly from Somalia, were given ‘free settlements’ in nearby motels. In this tight economic situation, the ‘outsiders’ were seen as extra pressure for the ‘taxpayers pockets’. The movement f skinheads and violations against refugees became the worst seen in Finland. The neo-nazis were openly violating any immigrant--especially of the dark-skinned origins.

Seeing people racially abused on an everyday basis was deeply upsetting and made a permanent impression in my memories. I moved to London, where I lived for several years. The cultural diversity and interaction with people from different backgrounds helped me gain an experience in the capitals intercultural relations.

The interest of race--and cultural relations has become the primary subject matter within my artistic practice. Often referring my resource to the history of racial traditions, lores, myths, caricatures, games, jokes aiming to outcome the rooted stereotypes--learning and building a tolerance within the societies.

To The Americas Biennial Exhibition of Contemporary Prints, I am presenting two works, ‘Shhh…’ [2008], and ‘Adoption’ [2008], which are small silkscreen print series reproduced from my earlier paintings. The source material towards my drawings come from the 50’s–70’s magazine adverts. The images adopted new meanings, new surroundings, as I used dark-brown pencil to change the colour of sleeping white girl’s cuddly doll. The same changes of gestures the works are looking to question the rooted ‘clichés’--giving alternative ways to approach the relations.

Born in Finland in 1980, and a member of The Helsinki Artists’ Association since 2006, and The Association of Finnish Printmakers since 2008.

Education
Master of Fine Arts, Finnish Academy of Fine Arts, Helsinki, Finland [2007]
Arts, Sibelius Academy, Open University, Helsinki, Finland [2006]
Bachelor of Fine Arts, Middlesex University [MDX], London, United Kingdom [2002–05]
Fine Art Exchange, School of Visual Arts [SVA]. New York, New York [2004]
BTEC Diploma in Fine Arts, Chelsea College of Art & Design, London, United Kingdom [2001–02]
Performing Arts, Central Saint Martins [CSM], London, United Kingdom
Violin/Theory, Joensuu’s Conservatory, Joensuu, Finland
Pop/Jazz-Singing/Theory, Joensuu’s Conservatory, Joensuu, Finland

2009
Solo Exhibition, Kasarminkatu’s Gallery, Helsinki, Finland

2008
Solo Exhibition, Gallery Rikhard, Rikhardinkatu´s Artothegue, Helsinki, Finland
'Uusi Lehti', New Graphic Art, Gallery G, Helsinki, Finland
‘Finnish Graphic Art in Cartegene’, Casa Consistoriali Gallery, Cartagene, Spain
‘Quarrel & Solution’, Exhibiting at: Valvo Ry Culture Association, Cable Factory, Helsinki, Finland; & Vaasa, Finland
 ‘Art in-Store’, collaboration with Gallery Uusitalo & Skanno, Helsinki, Finland
‘Master Class’, Finnish Academy of Fine Arts [FAFA], Helsinki, Finland
‘Vrooom', Graphic Art by the Finnish Academy of Fine Arts, Cable Gallery, Helsinki, Finland

2007
‘Political & Poetical’, 14th Tallinn Print Triennial, Kumu Art Museum, Tallinn, Estonia
Summer Exhibition, Sovintola, Kesälahti, Sweden
Summer Exhibition, Gallery Uusitalo, Helsinki, Finland
‘I Love Helsinki', Gallery Rantakasarmi, Helsinki, Finland