Scenery 28.8 Painting

Satu Laurel (b. 1983) is know for her use of romantic landscapes combined with abstract brushstrokes. After graduating (BA, London 2007 and MA, Finland 2011) she has exhibited her works internationally, with shows in EU, the USA and the UK. Her paintings are part of numerous private and public collections. She was born in 1983 in Kajaani, in northern Finland, which is known for its pristine nature and beautiful hill landscapes. Currently based near Helsinki in Laurel's artistic journey began amidst her childhood travels as the daughter of a peacekeeper, fostering a deep-rooted fascination with diverse cultures and landscapes. This lifestyle instilled in her a longing for elsewhere and a feeling of not belonging anywhere. At the age of 12, she found solace in art, starting to paint as a means of escape and expression. Although her ability to travel has been limited in recent years, this state of mind—longing for elsewhere—remains a central theme in her works. Artistic Themes and Philosophy Satu Laurel's latest work delves into the interplay between the visible and invisible, utopias and reality, presence and absence. Her approach involves a profound engagement with the traditions of romanticism, exploring the relationship between utopian ideals and reality through abstract still lives that emphasize the materiality of the paint. A significant aspect of her work involves the modern critique of perspective theory, particularly how the use of perspective can limit the viewer's point of view. She pushes this concept further by intentionally narrowing perspectives, creating obstructions with fog curtains or cascading waterfalls within her landscapes. This technique not only aligns with her thematic exploration but also evokes the elusive nature of dreams and utopias. Her work captures the fleeting beauty of intangible ideals, providing only glimpses of utopias and dreams, thereby underscoring their imprecise yet captivating allure.