Backdrops - Night of the Arts 2024

This year’s Night of the Arts was looking for visual artists to design backdrops for the stages. Two artworks were selected. One being a painting by Olivia Luoma of Vaasa’s summer street “Kesäkatu” and the other “La vie en rose” by Kika Wikman. 

Artists introduce themselves:   

Olivia: I am a full-time student and in my free time I paint and sell my art as a hobby. I’m studying a very different subject, so in the evenings I get to unload my creativity by painting.  

During the year I have participated in Night of the Arts and done some custom work. In the spring I also held my own exhibition. 

Again this year you can find me at Loftet’s handcraft market from 5pm to 11pm. I will be selling my painting as well as various art prints and cards of my paintings. Welcome! 

Kika: Hi, I’m Kika from Vaasa. I work mainly with acrylic paintings and woodcuts. 

What inspired you with your painting? 

Olivia: “Kesäkatu” painting was born out of the many moments I have stopped and admired the street of Hovioikeudenpuistikko. I like painting cityscapes and recently I have been painting Vaasa more and more. 

In my paintings I try to capture the atmosphere of an experienced moment, bringing out colours to the canvas that are not actually found in the landscape. I never plan the end result very carefully. I just let the feeling and painting itself take over! 

Kika: The artwork is called “La vie en rose”. I made it freshly in love. It conveys a sense of togetherness and peace. 

Who is your favorite Finnish artist? 

Olivia: Elin Danielson-Gambogi and Ellen Thesleff inspire me with their art and stories! 

Kika: Tapani Tammenpää, Camilla Englund, Tove Jansson and many others. 

Works by both artists can be seen on Night of the Arts. Olivia’s work will be on display on the Market Square stage and Kika’s in Ritz.