Heidi Ukkonen’s paintings explore themes of the mundane such as relationships, anguish, and suffering. These depictions are represented through playfully deformed animations within the life of modern society. Ukkonen derives inspiration from her life living in the vibrant city of Antwerp where she has worked since graduating Royal Academy of Fine Arts with a BFA in painting (2014) and a MFA in painting (2015). Her thought process begins towards the end of each day and through trial and error, explosive, colourful and humorous works are brought about. Drawing knowledge and inspiration of the works of Philip Guston, Henri Matisse and Hieronymus Bosch she aims to bring her audience into a world where the usual becomes unusual, where the ugly becomes beautiful and where pain becomes humour.
Solo exhibitions includeThe Wunderwall, Brussels (2021); The Time Is Now, Madè Van Krimpen, Amsterdam (2021); Hide and Seek, Four You Gallery, Dubai (2020).
Group exhibitions include In Momentum, Kristin Hjellegjerde Gallery, London (2021); All About Eve, Delphian Gallery, London (2021); Stars Are Never Sleeping, Ruby Gallery, Brussels (2021); This Art Fair, Amsterdam (2021); (PR)OXYMORON, Knokke (2021); Delphian Open Call Winners 2021, Unit 1 Gallery Workshop, London (2021); Hotter Than July, Galerij LJ, Paris (2021); The First Swing Of The Bat, Gallery 46 Whitechapel, London (2021); Transcendental, Cuturi Gallery, Singapore (2021); The Mothershipment, Deep Space Gallery, Jersey City, USA (2021); Moosey Gallery, Norwich (2021); @showhousejayjay #SHOWHOUSEARTCALL An Instagram Exhibition (2020); Sofie Van De Velde Gallery & PLUS ONE Gallery ART FEEDS NR 2 (2020); Paint Talk online Group Exhibition (2020); Amsterdam Gallery Weekend, Marian Cramer, Amsterdam (2020); TheDon'tGiveADamn's, Marian Cramer, Amsterdam (2020); Billboardproject, Stad Antwerpen (2020); The Wunderwall, Sofie Van De Velde Gallery & PLUS ONE Gallery, Antwerp (2020); 252 cc – cultuurcentrum Ekeren Kasteel Hof De Bist (2020); Kopvzw, Antwerp (2019); Cowboys and Aliens, Kunstpodium T, Tilburg (2019); My Biggest Small, Antwerp Art Weekend, Showhouse Jay Jay, Antwerp (2019); Christmas Market, ABC KLUBHUIS, Antwerp (2018); Velvet Ropes, Gallery Golsa, Oslo (2018); Screw your courage to the sticking place, Showhouse Jay Jay, Antwerp (2018); Copy Cat, Winter Tuin Antwerp (2018).
HIGHLIGHTS
Ukkonen has been the project coordinator for Cowboys and Aliens, Kunstpodium T, Tilburg (2019); No Sweat, Overamstel Uitgevers, Antwerp (2019); GIFC, Antwerp (2019); Bob’s your uncle, Showhouse Jay Jay, Antwerp (2018); The ball is in your court, Showhouse Jay Jay, Antwerp (2018); Screw your courage to the sticking place, Showhouse Jay Jay, Antwerp (2018).