Tarja Laine

Joined Artfinder: Dec. 2022

Artworks for sale: 42

Netherlands

About Tarja Laine

 
 
  • Biography
    Originally from Finland, I have been living for more than twenty years in Amsterdam. Here I took a five-year training in classical visual arts at the Wackers Academy of Figurative Art, where Sam Drukker was the supervisor of my final project. The technique based on close observation that I leaned at the Academy still is the starting point of my approach, characterized by both classical and contemporary methods. As a result, my paintings often end up halfway between figuration and abstraction. They are a response in colour and line to the materiality of organic forms in the visible world. Nature is often my source of inspiration, yet my paintings do not merely represent subject matter. Rather, my aim is to understand my own way of looking at the natural world, its colours, patterns, forms, and rhythms. By lack of figurative interpretation, my paintings are exercises that aim to show what happens when you stop and look more carefully. When you watch how the world unfolds in unsuspected colours and shapes, while thinking and feeling about subject matter. I am also interested in the creative process itself, which I aim to visualize by deliberately leaving parts of my paintings ‘unfinished’, for instance. I am intrigued by the quote attributed to Paul Valéry according to which “a work of art is never truly completed but abandoned”. So my paintings regularly examine at which point such ‘abandonment’ of a work of art can take place at the earliest. Not because the creative process has become tiring or annoying, but because the painting itself compels its own abandonment. Even though I exhibit my work regularly at galleries, art events, and art fairs, I was drawn to Artfinder because I share their philosophy of accessibility of visual arts across boundaries, outside the confines of museums and physical galleries.
  • Links

    Like me on Facebook

    Follow me on Pinterest

    Follow me on Instagram

    Visit my website

  • Education

    2013 - 2018

    Wackers Academy

  • Upcoming Events

    There are no upcoming events

    Show previous events Hide previous events

    Previous events

    Event: Lucas (she/he)

    Dates: 8 Nov 2024 - 10 Nov 2024

    Venue: Loods 6, Amsterdam

    The exhibition celebrates the legacy of female artists such as Charley Toorop, who were members of Sint Lucas Artists' Society, the first art society which accepted female members in the Netherlands.

    Event: Nature Art Fair

    Dates: 21 Sep 2024 - 22 Sep 2024

    Venue: Flower Art Museum, Aalsmeer, The Netherlands

    Dedicated to art inspired by nature. Part of Art Route in Aalsmeer: https://www.flowerartmuseum.nl

    Event: Dream Land

    Dates: 27 Jul 2024 - 25 Aug 2024

    Venue: Open Stal Art Route 2024, Oldeberkoop

    "Dream Land" is the 53rd edition of the oldest (existing) art route in the Netherlands, in the charming village of Oldeberkoop, Friesland, from 27 July to 25 August 2024. During this art event, more than 50 artists present their work in more than 20 different locations in and around the village: https://www.openstal.nl/

    Event: Reflections in Art

    Dates: 24 May 2024 - 2 Jun 2024

    Venue: Het Sint-Vincentiuskerkje, Velp, The Netherlands

    A duo exhibition with Betsie Schepers van Loon and Tarja Laine, who share a passion for exploring the relationship between human and nature.

    Event: Weespers aan de Wand

    Dates: 18 May 2024 - 20 May 2024

    Venue: Van Houtenkerk, Weesp, The Netherlands

    Annual art event during the Pentecost weekend in Weesp, The Netherlands

    Event: Hope: Flowers as Beacons of Hope

    Dates: 28 Jan 2024 - 12 May 2024

    Venue: Flower Art Museum, Aalsmeer, The Netherlands

    We live in a time with many uncertainties. The pandemic, climate problems and war violence put the world in a different light. What once felt comfortable often no longer does. Large groups of people are angry or uncertain about their future. There is a greater need for a hopeful perspective than before. To new certainties and light in the darkness. In this exhibition we combat despair with art that expresses hope. Hope by bringing the beauty of nature closer. Hope through art where words fail. Hope through colorful flowers as a symbol of life force and a better future. Each individual flower represents the cycle of life: germination, growth, flourishing and decay. It is inevitable but also hopeful. No matter how many flowers die, new ones always grow again. This is how we live, balancing between hope and fear, but always hoping for a better prospect.

    Event: The Artful Five: Dive into Diversity

    Dates: 6 Dec 2023 - 17 Dec 2023

    Venue: Gallery kunstRUIM, Jodenbreestraat 25, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

    Gallery kunstRUIM proudly unveils "Dive into Diversity: The Artful 5" exhibition, showcasing the unique works of Berthe Lemmens, Daniel Couet, Tarja Laine, Neyde Lantyer, and Dan Gonen. Immerse yourself in this vibrant exploration of Amsterdam's diverse and dynamic art scene.

    Embodying the city's international and multicultural spirit, The Artful 5 converges at Jodenbreestraat 25 from December 6th to 17th, opening its doors Wednesday to Sunday, 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm. The grand opening on Friday, December 8th, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm, invites art enthusiasts to engage directly with the artists and experience a harmonious blend of perspectives, techniques, and styles.

    Event: Human/Nature

    Dates: 17 Jun 2023 - 2 Jul 2023

    Venue: Gallery Overstroom, Amsterdam

    In this exhibition my 'scenic' work meets my studies in human figure in a meaningful dialogue.

    Event: Tarja Laine @ March/April Exhibition in Gallery Kunst-227

    Dates: 18 Mar 2023 - 2 Apr 2023

    Venue: Gallery Kunst-227, Amsterdam

    Eight artists exhibit their recent work (paintings, graphic art, sculptures) at Gallery Kunst-227 in Amsterdam. The exhibition is open from March 18 to April 2 on Saturdays and Sundays from 13:00 to 17:00h. Address: Koninginneweg 227, 1075 CS Amsterdam.

Links

Like me on Facebook

Follow me on Pinterest

Follow me on Instagram

Visit my website

Education

2013 - 2018

Wackers Academy

There are no upcoming events

Show previous events Hide previous events

Previous events

Event: Lucas (she/he)

Dates: 8 Nov 2024 - 10 Nov 2024

Venue: Loods 6, Amsterdam

The exhibition celebrates the legacy of female artists such as Charley Toorop, who were members of Sint Lucas Artists' Society, the first art society which accepted female members in the Netherlands.

Event: Nature Art Fair

Dates: 21 Sep 2024 - 22 Sep 2024

Venue: Flower Art Museum, Aalsmeer, The Netherlands

Dedicated to art inspired by nature. Part of Art Route in Aalsmeer: https://www.flowerartmuseum.nl

Event: Dream Land

Dates: 27 Jul 2024 - 25 Aug 2024

Venue: Open Stal Art Route 2024, Oldeberkoop

"Dream Land" is the 53rd edition of the oldest (existing) art route in the Netherlands, in the charming village of Oldeberkoop, Friesland, from 27 July to 25 August 2024. During this art event, more than 50 artists present their work in more than 20 different locations in and around the village: https://www.openstal.nl/

Event: Reflections in Art

Dates: 24 May 2024 - 2 Jun 2024

Venue: Het Sint-Vincentiuskerkje, Velp, The Netherlands

A duo exhibition with Betsie Schepers van Loon and Tarja Laine, who share a passion for exploring the relationship between human and nature.

Event: Weespers aan de Wand

Dates: 18 May 2024 - 20 May 2024

Venue: Van Houtenkerk, Weesp, The Netherlands

Annual art event during the Pentecost weekend in Weesp, The Netherlands

Event: Hope: Flowers as Beacons of Hope

Dates: 28 Jan 2024 - 12 May 2024

Venue: Flower Art Museum, Aalsmeer, The Netherlands

We live in a time with many uncertainties. The pandemic, climate problems and war violence put the world in a different light. What once felt comfortable often no longer does. Large groups of people are angry or uncertain about their future. There is a greater need for a hopeful perspective than before. To new certainties and light in the darkness. In this exhibition we combat despair with art that expresses hope. Hope by bringing the beauty of nature closer. Hope through art where words fail. Hope through colorful flowers as a symbol of life force and a better future. Each individual flower represents the cycle of life: germination, growth, flourishing and decay. It is inevitable but also hopeful. No matter how many flowers die, new ones always grow again. This is how we live, balancing between hope and fear, but always hoping for a better prospect.

Event: The Artful Five: Dive into Diversity

Dates: 6 Dec 2023 - 17 Dec 2023

Venue: Gallery kunstRUIM, Jodenbreestraat 25, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Gallery kunstRUIM proudly unveils "Dive into Diversity: The Artful 5" exhibition, showcasing the unique works of Berthe Lemmens, Daniel Couet, Tarja Laine, Neyde Lantyer, and Dan Gonen. Immerse yourself in this vibrant exploration of Amsterdam's diverse and dynamic art scene.

Embodying the city's international and multicultural spirit, The Artful 5 converges at Jodenbreestraat 25 from December 6th to 17th, opening its doors Wednesday to Sunday, 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm. The grand opening on Friday, December 8th, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm, invites art enthusiasts to engage directly with the artists and experience a harmonious blend of perspectives, techniques, and styles.

Event: Human/Nature

Dates: 17 Jun 2023 - 2 Jul 2023

Venue: Gallery Overstroom, Amsterdam

In this exhibition my 'scenic' work meets my studies in human figure in a meaningful dialogue.

Event: Tarja Laine @ March/April Exhibition in Gallery Kunst-227

Dates: 18 Mar 2023 - 2 Apr 2023

Venue: Gallery Kunst-227, Amsterdam

Eight artists exhibit their recent work (paintings, graphic art, sculptures) at Gallery Kunst-227 in Amsterdam. The exhibition is open from March 18 to April 2 on Saturdays and Sundays from 13:00 to 17:00h. Address: Koninginneweg 227, 1075 CS Amsterdam.

 

Biography

Originally from Finland, I have been living for more than twenty years in Amsterdam. Here I took a five-year training in classical visual arts at the Wackers Academy of Figurative Art, where Sam Drukker was the supervisor of my final project. The technique based on close observation that I leaned at the Academy still is the starting point of my approach, characterized by both classical and contemporary methods. As a result, my paintings often end up halfway between figuration and abstraction. They are a response in colour and line to the materiality of organic forms in the visible world. Nature is often my source of inspiration, yet my paintings do not merely represent subject matter. Rather, my aim is to understand my own way of looking at the natural world, its colours, patterns, forms, and rhythms. By lack of figurative interpretation, my paintings are exercises that aim to show what happens when you stop and look more carefully. When you watch how the world unfolds in unsuspected colours and shapes, while thinking and feeling about subject matter. I am also interested in the creative process itself, which I aim to visualize by deliberately leaving parts of my paintings ‘unfinished’, for instance. I am intrigued by the quote attributed to Paul Valéry according to which “a work of art is never truly completed but abandoned”. So my paintings regularly examine at which point such ‘abandonment’ of a work of art can take place at the earliest. Not because the creative process has become tiring or annoying, but because the painting itself compels its own abandonment. Even though I exhibit my work regularly at galleries, art events, and art fairs, I was drawn to Artfinder because I share their philosophy of accessibility of visual arts across boundaries, outside the confines of museums and physical galleries.
 
 
 

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