15.08.-14.09.2025
Luonnos, Uudenmaankatu 13, Helsinki

The Concept Store exhibition explores commercial culture and its phenomena through the lens of a designer. Often, the designer is seen as a gatekeeper of “cool”—a figure positioned above trends, commercialism, and bad taste. This exhibition challenges that notion by turning the perspective upside down: what if the designer is just another consumer, and design becomes a means of navigating one’s own relationship with consumption?

This group exhibition raises questions about commercialism, authenticity, and the criticality of design. To what extent does the designer steer design—and to what extent does design shape their relationship with surrounding culture? Blurring the line between gallery and retail space, the works shift between mockups, photographs, products, and messages.

Aarni Kapanen (b. 1998), Veera Kortelainen (b. 1995), Akseli Manner (b. 1999), and Sanna Nykänen (b. 1999) are visual communication designers sharing a multidisciplinary approach and a critical relationship with their own field. Their practices span typography, strategic design, publishing, and coding. The group sees design as a tool for societal engagement and thought reorientation.

Aarni Kapanen’s work sits at the intersection of strategic design and critical art. He explores forms of ownership and how social norms and currencies are built on shared community values. In Concept Store, Kapanen investigates Web3 technologies and the aesthetics of consumer culture through speculative design and media art.

For Veera Kortelainen, form is a means of commenting on content. Her works are often concept-driven, with typography as a central—but not limiting—medium. In the exhibition, visitors can browse a publication that blends notes, observations, ideas, and jokes collected over the past five years.

Akseli Manner is interested in eclectic combinations of UI & typographic components and disrupting digital usage habits. With this work, he reflects on what it is like to stop and share a moment in a restless atmosphere of swiping.

Sanna Nykänen works with publications, typography, moving images, and visual art. She is interested in applying graphic design and typography to physical objects. In Concept Store, Nykänen’s works explore spirituality in the era of consumer culture and social media.

The opening of the exhibition will be celebrated on the Night of the Arts, Thursday, August 14, from 17:00 to 19:00, welcome! The designers of the exhibition can be met at the opening party and on 6–7 September from 12 noon to 4 pm.

15.8.–14.9.2025
Concept Store – Consumer Culture as a Medium
Luonnos, Uudenmaankatu 13, Helsinki
Wed–Fri 12–17, Sat–Sun 12–16, free entry!
@luonnostila