Rainbow Magic - Tatu Vuolteenaho, Jani Maunula, Nadja Mikkilä, Tinttu Henttonen, and House of Disappointments: Paintings, Textile Art, and Queer Magic
Last year, I had the opportunity to be part of my cousin Tatu's exhibition, Rainbow Magic, which was held at Galleria Aarni, located in Espoo's Sello shopping center. The exhibition was a deep dive into the spirituality and culture of the queer community.
In Western gay culture, materialism often takes center stage, while spirituality can sometimes be overlooked. Rainbow Magic was a refreshing exception, offering an entirely different perspective: an exploration of the spiritual dimensions of the queer community through art. The exhibition illuminated deeper meanings and identities.
Tatu’s Queer Witches portrait series, were full of mysticism, strength, and self-acceptance, presenting a new way to perceive queer identity as part of something larger and more magical. The exhibition also showcased Eye-Leen self-portraits, offering an even more intimate glimpse into self-reflection and queer identity. Eye-Leen's art was also incorporated into textiles designed by Jani Maunula, which were used to create an immersive room at the heart of the exhibition.
The opening night featured a performance by the House of Disappointments ballroom group, adding a dash of spectacle and energy to the event. Ballroom culture is a significant part of queer history, and its inclusion in the opening was a tribute to this cultural legacy.
Galleria Aarni turned out to be an ideal venue for the exhibition. The spacious, beautifully lit gallery did justice to the works on display. The opening night was a success, with a warm and communal atmosphere. Every element of the exhibition felt carefully considered and elegantly executed. I’m grateful I had the chance to be part of such a unique exhibition.
Rainbow Magic - Tatu Vuolteenaho, Jani Maunula, Nadja Mikkilä, Tinttu Henttonen, and House of Disappointments: Paintings, Textile Art, and Queer Magic
Last year, I had the opportunity to be part of my cousin Tatu's exhibition, Rainbow Magic, which was held at Galleria Aarni, located in Espoo's Sello shopping center. The exhibition was a deep dive into the spirituality and culture of the queer community.
In Western gay culture, materialism often takes center stage, while spirituality can sometimes be overlooked. Rainbow Magic was a refreshing exception, offering an entirely different perspective: an exploration of the spiritual dimensions of the queer community through art. The exhibition illuminated deeper meanings and identities.
Tatu’s Queer Witches portrait series, were full of mysticism, strength, and self-acceptance, presenting a new way to perceive queer identity as part of something larger and more magical. The exhibition also showcased Eye-Leen self-portraits, offering an even more intimate glimpse into self-reflection and queer identity. Eye-Leen's art was also incorporated into textiles designed by Jani Maunula, which were used to create an immersive room at the heart of the exhibition.
The opening night featured a performance by the House of Disappointments ballroom group, adding a dash of spectacle and energy to the event. Ballroom culture is a significant part of queer history, and its inclusion in the opening was a tribute to this cultural legacy.
Galleria Aarni turned out to be an ideal venue for the exhibition. The spacious, beautifully lit gallery did justice to the works on display. The opening night was a success, with a warm and communal atmosphere. Every element of the exhibition felt carefully considered and elegantly executed. I’m grateful I had the chance to be part of such a unique exhibition.
