About

Sofia Malkamäki (b. 2000, Riihimäki)

Hi. :) I am a Helsinki-based painter holding a Master of Social Sciences degree in Communication and Media Studies. My artistic practice brings together visual expression, faith, and my curiosity towards people, culture, media, and the world around us.

My first solo exhibition explored the passing of my mother, grief, and learning to live with loss. Painting became a way for me to process things I didn’t always know how to put into words. Through my journey with art, I’ve found a way to express myself, heal, find joy, and connect with others. Now, I want more people to experience some of what art has given me. I want to encourage especially young artists to take their creativity seriously and believe that it is possible to build a life around what you love. I also want to create welcoming spaces where people can explore their creativity, connect with others, and enjoy making things without needing to be “an artist”.

My visual expression started from playful naivism and bold experimentation, gradually evolving towards more realistic and impressionistic interpretations of nature and landscapes, while also becoming increasingly interested in expressionism. Although my style continues to grow and change, I’m not interested in breaking every rule of traditional painting. In many ways, there is something quite traditional about my work: a canvas, a landscape, carefully observed details, and the timeless act of painting by hand. I build my paintings in layers, starting with a free and intuitive base of colours, from which shapes, details, and little worlds slowly grow. At the centre of my work is light and shadow: where light enters and what it reveals.

In the future, I hope Art by Sofia Malkamäki can grow into something bigger than me and my paintings. I want to build a creative community around art: spaces, experiences, and opportunities that make creativity feel more accessible, playful, and possible for everyone. <3