Maija Lyytinen

Maija Lyytinen is a Paris-based, Finnish-born artist who has made significant contributions to the contemporary art scene. She lives and works in the vibrant French capital, where the artistic culture constantly inspires her. She has been involved in the arts from the outset, having initially trained as a make-up artist for film and theatre. After working in this field for several years, she turned to creating collages. Her unique vision shines through in her artistic work, which often reflects her deep connections with nature and the world around her. Brilliant, witty, and dreamlike, each piece represents a mastery of technique and emotion that resonates widely with her audience. Her favourite themes today are based on her experiences travelling to various locales; some are tropical, others are not, residing in the Far North, yet all are truly exotic in their essence. Maija's gaze is always filled with wonder, and her new collages serve as vivid, strange, and imaginative reminders of the places she has visited, beautifully encapsulating the essence of each place. Her creations invite us to journey with her across different landscapes. Following on from her travels, they provide a luminous glimpse into these far-flung lands, pushing the viewer to evoke their own memories of exploration.

During her stay in Bali, Indonesia in 2015, a Balinese painter taught her how to make and use banana fiber, which opened up new creative pathways for her. This technique became not only a fundamental part of her practice but also marked a turning point in her artistic journey. He taught her how to manipulate banana fiber, allowing her to infuse her work with a sense of texture and depth that is both appealing and intriguing. This newfound skill gave her the inspiration to dive deeper into her creations, pushing the boundaries of what she could achieve in her art. The ability to use the fibre either in its natural state or dyed with coffee or acrylic paint has allowed Maija to explore a diverse range of palettes and forms.

Since 2023, she has been continuing her creative exploration with new works on redwood, showcasing her ability to adapt and innovate across different materials. Her work has been exhibited in various venues across France, the United States, Finland, England, and Austria, garnering attention and acclaim from both critics and collectors alike.

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