21.8.-14.9.2025

The Finnish word “toisaalta” means both on the other hand and from elsewhere.

The birthplace of my paintings is the peace and quiet of a natural forest. On the other hand, the cruelties of the surrounding world, confusion, and disbelief in the degradation of humanity are also present.

I paint color and movement, I paint my fear away. Painting gives me courage that I do not have with words. Painting comes from elsewhere, a different place than words. “Toisaalta” is the opposite of black and white.

For me, painting offers safety and comfort. On the other hand, it is the most ruthless destroyer of fragile self-esteem.

Painting is transformative. On the other hand, it is rather pointless.

Painting is a strange monologue. On the other hand, it is a friend.

Painting is brutally honest. On the other hand, it is a pose on a phone screen.

Painting is an obsession. On the other hand, it is the greatest joy.

Painting is a language of meanings. On the other hand, it is just color on canvas.

Painting is madness. On the other hand, it is beautiful madness.

Thanks to Otto A. Malm Foundation, my husband, friends, and Galleria Huuto for making this exhibition possible.

Johanna Sipilä lives and works in Nuuksio, Espoo. She holds a Master of Fine Arts degree from the Academy of Fine Arts and a Master of Arts degree from Aalto University. She has also studied at the Free Art School for three years. Sipilä’s oil paintings are inspired by walking and spending time in the forests near her studio in all seasons, her own movement and the movement of nature, and her observations and thoughts in the forests.

Contact information
www.johannasipila.com
sipila.johanna (a) gmail.com
Instagram: jojohannasipila