Paavo Kärki (b. 2001, Helsinki) examines the networks, norms, and practices within art and society through his painting-based works. At the same time, he explores the commodified nature of the painting object and its spatial possibilities. Rather than appearing merely as images, paintings in his works act as functional objects, props, and builders of place, creating connections with the surrounding world. Kärki asks when a painting becomes something else or ceases to function altogether.
Contact
paavo.karki@uniarts.fi
CV
Education
2025— MFA, Academy of Fine Arts, Helsinki2025—2026 Royal Institute of Art, Stckholm
2022—2024 BFA, Academy of Fine Arts, Helsinki
2020— BA Theoretical Philosophy, University of Helsinki
Solo Exhibitions
2026 (Upcoming) Library Exhibition, Galleria Mältinranta, Tampere, FI2022 Siirtymämuoto, duo exhibition with Aino Tillonen, Galleria Kalleria, Helsinki, FI
2022 Small Summer Exhibition, bläckhornet, Taalintehdas, FI
Group Exhibitions
2026 (Upcoming) Pesula Galleria, Sipoo, Helsinki FI2026 (Upcoming) Generation 2026, Amos Rex, Helsinki, FI
2026 (Upcoming) Kuvan Kevät 2026, Kuva/Tila, Helsinki, FI
2026 hand me down (part II), Zwarte Zaal, Gent BE
2025 Rundgång, Kungl. Konsthögskolan, Stocholm, SE
2025 Einladung, Kuva/Tila, Helsinki, FI
2025 after the first five minutes pretty much everyone was already sleeping, Galleri BLUNK, Trondheim, NO
2025 Kutsu, Halle & Quergalerie, Berlin, DE
2025 Olomuodot, Kuva/Tila, Helsinki, FI
2024 Endless Drop, Kuva/Tila, Helsinki, FI
2024 The Best, redukt-studio, Helsinki , FI
2024 BFA Exhibition 2024, Kuva/Tila, Helsinki, FI
2023 F/W23, Hotel AX, Helsinki, FI
2023 stag-ná — stack, Toxi Space, Zürich, CH
2023 in t(wo): settings & shelters, Vapaan Taiteen Tila, Helsinki, FI
Positions of trust
2026 Recruitment group for the professor of painting (first round), Academy of Fine Arts, Helsinki
2026 Open call for Artist Portfolios for Public Art Projects , shortlisting jury
2025 Recruitment group for the substitute professor of painting, Academy of Fine Arts, Helsinki
2024—2025 Division for bachelor's and master's education, Academy of Fine Arts, Helsinki
2024—2025 Academy board, Academy of Fine Arts, Helsinki
2023 Recruitment group for the substitute professor of painting, Academy of Fine Arts, Helsinki
Grants
2026—2028 Scholarship studio apartment for three years, together with Aino Tillonen, provided by EMMA, Finnish Artists' Studio Foundation and the City of Espoo's Cultural Unit
2026 Finnish Cultural Foundation working grant (6 months, 25%)
2025 Konstsamfundet project grant
2025 KUNO travel grant
Memberships
2026— Finnish Painters’ Union (candidate member)
Other
2025 Essay and leaflet for Ensemble, film and performance event, EMAF, Osnabrück, DE2024 Studio assistant for Xiao Zhiyu
2022 Norpas Residency, Taalintehdas, FI