Matias Liimatainen is an artist working primarily in ceramic and glass to create sculptures inspired by flora and fauna, which he embellishes with glazes, metallic elements, driftwood, and stone. His earlier series, inspired by robots, incorporated kinetic elements as well as lights or electronic devices, though evidence of industrial forms is visible in all of Liimatainen’s works. He is interested in the historical nature of his chosen media, offering a nod to traditional porcelain motifs by often featuring stylized, decorative flowers. Liimatainen posits that his sculptures are self-portraits, as they are reflections of his experiences. However, he recognizes the limitations of representation, always leaving his works open to the interpretation of his audiences.
Liimatainen has exhibited widely throughout Scandinavia and was recently awarded residencies in Japan and China. His work has been shown to much acclaim at art fairs in Finland and Denmark.
MATIAS LIIMATAINEN
b.1989, Nivala, Finland
Lives and works in Helsinki, Finland
EDUCATION
2009-2018 Aalto University, School of arts and Architecture, Ceramic and Glass Department 2005-2009 Tammerkoski Upper Secondary School
SELECTED EXHIBITIONS
2018 Design Miami, Hostler Burrows, Miami, FL
The Museum of Contemporary Ceramic Art, Shigaraki
Linnankatu 13, Savonlinna
Uniikki, Helsinki
Bonk, Pyhäniemen kartano, Hollola
European Ceramic Context, Grønbechs Gård, Bornholm, Denmark
CHART, Copenhagen
Lokal, Helsinki
About Clay, Fiskars, Helsinki
Habitare, Helsinki, Finland
2017 Satumetsä, Lokal, Helsinki
Kotona XII Juhlat, Fiskars
2016 Behind theseen, Porvoon taideahalli, Porvoo
NEW FINNISH FASHION, Finlands institutet, Stockholm
Respiration Inspiration, Institut finlandais, Paris
Kohtaamisia, Platonin Akatemia, Tuusula
2015 Bloom, Lokal, Helsinki
Muotogaala, ruokaa taiteella, Helsinki
2014 Animal, Lokal, Helsinki
Art Week Helsinki, Helsinki
Keramiikka tilassa – Keramiikan tila, Design Museum,Helsinki
European Ceramic context 2014, Grønbechs Gård, Bornholm
2013 Samasta, Galleria Arabia, Helsinki
Wonderland, London Design Festival, London
NORDIC PASSION, Seoul Museum of Art, Seoul
Art Exposed, Helsinki
Norther, Ventura Lambrate, Milano
2012 Art Exposed, Helsinki
CLAYDROIDTRILOGY, Gallery Atski, Helsinki
Robots, Napa Gallery, Helsinki
2011 Uunituoretta, LB Gallery, Helsinki
RESIDENCIES
2018 Jingdezhen, China 2017 Shigaraki, Japan
SELECTED BIBLIOGRAPHY
2018 “CHART 2018 End of Fair Report,” Artdaily, www.artdaily.org,
September 4 2017
“Robot Ceramics by Matias Liimatainen,”
I Lobo You, www.iloboyou.com
“Weekly Tips: January,” Helsinki Design Week, December 29
2013 “London Design Festival 2013: Unmissable Highlights,” The Telegraph
2012 “Matias Liimatainen’s Robotic Sculptures Featured in Napa Gallery,”
City Finland, November 16
