Text: Laura Iisalo
Photos: Nomin Ulziibayar

Finnish cultural history is a recurring theme in Meri Toivanen's paintings. She reinterprets imagery from Finnish post-war films through metaphors found in the gaming world.

The visual artist, originally from Kajaani in Finland, has lived in Belgium for the past six years. Toivanen feels that being away from her homeland has increased her interest in it.

“This new context has made me research my family's history and Finland's cultural history through films. Both have connections to the threat and uncertainty of the Winter War, which feels current again because of the war in Ukraine," she says.

The 27-year-old Toivanen graduated two years ago with a master's degree in painting from the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp. It is where the great Finnish artist Albert Edelfelt studied history painting in the late 19th century with the support of a state scholarship.

Soon after graduating, Toivanen was offered a part-time position to teach figure drawing at the academy. At the same time, Toivanen is building her career as a visual artist.

So far, opportunities have been many. Toivanen has participated in duo and group exhibitions in Luxembourg, Belgium, Finland, and Denmark. However, she acknowledges the challenges many artists experience at the early stages of their careers.

"The biggest fear for many young artists is the void following graduation. I had quite a good continuity; I built my network during my studies and held exhibitions. For me it was quite easy, but it has been challenging too trying to find my place in a new city," Toivanen says.

Residency provides new opportunities

For the time being, Toivanen plans to stay in Antwerp. She enjoys the city's diverse art scene, and feels that a degree in fine art is highly valued.

At the beginning of next year, Toivanen will take the next step in her career by starting a five-month residency at MORPHO in Antwerp, enabled by the Cultural Foundation's Residency Programme.

During this time Toivanen plans to work on a project titled Let the Sleeping Dogs Lie, where she explores the concept of power through metaphors and symbolism. At the end of the residency, Toivanen intends to hold her first solo exhibition.

In addition to delving into her own work, Toivanen looks forward to encounters with local and international artists and curators, and visits to local museums and galleries included in the programme.

"Studying was a wonderful social time. I've dreamed of being able to go back to an environment where there is a community feel. It's great that I get to connect with other artists again and see their creative processes. A new environment will surely spark new ideas too," she says.

Final outcome surprises

While in the residency, Toivanen wants to explore new working techniques too. She does not use an easel but often works on the floor, aiming to complete a painting in one sitting.

The paints Toivanen uses are often very fluid, which causes them to move and spread across the painting's surface, making the final result hard to control.

“I have the right to fail when I paint, and during my studies I learned not to be attached to the outcome. The painting is done in one layer, and if I am not happy with it, I can just wipe everything off and start again. Painting doesn't always succeed, which is also interesting," she says.

In addition to oil paints, Toivanen uses self-made pastels, ink, gouache, and watercolours. During the residency, she also plans to create figurative sculptures. Ceramics is a new medium for Toivanen, who has explored its qualities during summers spent in Kajaani.

For her, one of the hardest things is knowing when a work is finished.

"As a student I was required to produce a lot at a fast pace. After graduation, I've had my own peace and space to work, and I haven't felt the pressure to finish what I do within a certain time. Now I have the freedom to focus on the process in the moment, and that is the most important thing."