Scholarship artists Aino Tillonen and Paavo Kärki explore CultureEspoo with new eyes

Aino Tillonen and Paavo Kärki will live and work as scholarship artists in the Tapiola Artist Apartments for the period 2026–2028. The scholarship studio activity is a cooperation project between the Finnish Artists’ Studio Foundation, the City of Espoo and EMMA, and it is aimed at artists in the early stages of their careers.

According to Paavo, around 50 artists applied for the scholarship, and a few of them were interviewed before the final decision was made. The scholarship recipients pay a lower rent for the apartment than the general rent level in the Finnish Artists’ Studio Foundation’s studio apartments because the City of Espoo funds part of the rent. 

“The situation in the visual arts and cultural sector is very uncertain, and many artists have to seriously consider whether they can make ends meet. The artist studio apartment creates faith in the future,” says Paavo. 

Paavo explains that the typical working day of the artist couple often does not start until lunchtime, but sometimes lasts until bedtime, depending on the workload and the schedules of exhibitions, projects and other painting work.

“We have enjoyed living both in the apartment and in this area. Working side by side has also succeeded thanks to noise-cancelling headphones,” Paavo says and smiles. 

Aino is completing her master’s studies in painting at the Academy of Fine Arts of the University of the Arts Helsinki. Last year, she spent one term on exchange at the Academy of Fine Arts in Vienna.

“My work focuses on painting, and I create both figurative oil paintings and sculptural painting objects. In my works, meanings are often sought in small details, moments and situations.”

Aino’s works have been on show both in Finland and abroad, for example at Amos Rex and Kunst Haus Wien. Her artistic role models include Lucy McKenzie and Avery Singer, among others. 

Paavo says that his art examines the norms of art and society.

“They are either repeated or questioned. We are painters, but our works often become more than just traditional paintings. They are not just displayed on the wall, they are also objects or installations,” he explains. 

Paavo’s works have been displayed at Amos Rex as part of the Generation 2026 group exhibition, in a private exhibition at Mältinranta Artcenter in Tampere, and at the Poriginal gallery in Pori. His role models are often inspiring colleagues and teachers. 

-“I don’t have any renowned role models because it inspires me most if someone makes art in a position that I can compare myself to. Of course, Jana Euler, the big name in contemporary art, is in my list, as she has the ability to transform constantly and create new kinds of paintings,” Paavo specifies. 

In October, Aino and Paavo will have openings of new exhibitions: Aino’s opening is in the Tasku Gallery at the Academy of Fine Arts on 23 October and they both have an opening at the Pesula Gallery in Sipoo with Jaakko Uljas on 28 October.

It may be challenging to switch off from work when work is busy. 

“Having your workplace in the same space as “home” still takes some getting used to. It also requires some balancing to be able to detach from work stuff every now and then and do something restorative, even though work is always there to remind you.”

To balance out the long working hours, Aino and Paavo often project TV series on the wall in their scholarship apartment. 

“Most of my friends are engaged in visual arts, so my free time may include the opening of an exhibition, for example,” Paavo adds. 

The cultural offering in Espoo is new to the artists who have previously lived in Lahti and Helsinki, although they were once in a concert at Sello Hall years ago.

 “Especially Tapiola has already begun to feel like home. I like having a lot of nature around me. We have been to Kino Tapiola, & Espoo Theatre, and EMMA - Espoo Museum of Modern Art, of course.”

The scholarship artists got to know the underground Kannusali hall in Espoon keskus when they were judges in EMMA’s open call for artists’ portfolios at the beginning of this year. Visual artist and illustrator Laura Lehtinen was eventually selected to create the mural for the entrance of the Kannu civil defence shelter.

“Visitors to events taking place in Kannusali should pay attention to the new artwork by Laura Lehtinen that was completed there. Kannusali is an elegant place with an atmosphere of its own,” Aino says.

“It is a bunker-like atmosphere, and you can come here to see a rap gig or practice martial arts in the same civil defence shelter,” Paavo adds. 

Culture Espoo's event calendar included highlights from the Tapiola area.

Exhibition Centre WeeGee’s festival week (13–18 October 2026)

“It was interesting! This is an interesting place for organisers, and the assumption is that the content there is also interesting,” Paavo says.  

Historical afternoons: An extended stone and Dreams of teenage galaxies? Public art of EMMA Museum around Espoo, past and present (in Finnish). (KAMU Espoo City Museum 14 October)

The lecture addresses the topic of public artworks as part of EMMA's collection activities, such as the acquisition of artworks, their history and maintenance. 

“Here’s a great opportunity to learn more about public art works that you may already know,” Aino comments.  

The Grapes of Reason (in Finnish) (& Espoo Theatre 1–9 October 2026)
The third part of Saara Turunen’s Room Trilogy, but the play also works as an independent work. The trilogy examines societal norms from a feminist perspective.

“An exceptionally interesting trilogy in our opinion. The trilogy as a whole sound like a proper treat! The September premieres will still be running in October,” the artists add.

Medusa’s Room (in Finnish) (& Espoo Theatre 23 September–10 October 2026)
The Phantom of Normality (in Finnish) (& Espoo Theatre 15 September–8 October 2026)

The artists would also like to mention Art Space Mari, although it is not included in the calendar. Art Space Mari is a new pop-up art space maintained by the Espoo Visual Artists Association. Its operation started in August 2026 in the Kulttuuriaukio square in Tapiola.

See what else is going on in Espoo: Cultural events in Espoo.

Check out previous cultural highlights at: www.espoo.fi/en/culture-picks

More information about the scholarship artists:
paavokarki.com (external link, opens in a new window)
ainotillonen.com(external link, opens in a new window)

Text: Sanna Uuksulainen