KU00096

The first graduating class of visual artists from Satakunta University of Applied Sciences has chosen the title KU00096 for their thesis exhibition. The name refers to the curriculum’s course coding system while simultaneously addressing the increasing systematization of society and its frameworks, which aim to regulate even creative artists.

Thesis exhibitions in art schools provide a glimpse into the future of Finnish visual art. In the past, similar insights could be gained from the annual Young Artists’ Exhibition.

Holding a thesis exhibition in a museum emphasizes the dual status of the creators: their works are still student projects, but they also mark the artists’ emergence into the professional art world. While the student receives a final evaluation from the art school, they are now equally interested in how the art world responds to their work. For the first time, the students have the opportunity to undertake an artistic project requiring sustained effort, one they must navigate personally. The exhibition concludes four years of art education and simultaneously marks the beginning of their careers as visual artists.

In 2000, 20 visual artists are graduating from Kankaanpää. During the final months of their studies, they have focused on the artistic and written components of their thesis. In their written work, the students answer three key questions: What do I do? Why do I do it? How do I do it?

The participating artists:
Hannele Ahokangas, Sanna Eloranta, Elina Hannula-Ketola, Petri Heikkilä, Ilpo Heinänen, Sari Kaitila, Kim Lindertz, Mari Luukko, Kalle Mälkki, Hanna Oinonen, Eliisa Paavola, Suvi Peltomäki, Tuukka Peltonen, Matti Reivi, Tommi Sarkapalo, Tero Simonen, Kaia Tamminen, Anne Toivanen, Mari Toivanen, Mikko Tolonen, and Tea Tuovila.

Translated with ChatGPT