Sofia Karinen: Light and Colour

Finnish-French artist Sofia Karinen (b. 2000) creates work brimming with vibrant colour, light, and warmth. Rich detail brings depth and vitality to her paintings, while inspiration drawn from everyday moments and the natural world lends them an intimate immediacy. Her distinctive style reflects recognisable French influences: although based in Oulu, Karinen spends part of each year working in her mother’s homeland, France. 

Karinen has shown a keen interest in drawing and painting since childhood. She studied at the Oulu Art School and continues to study at the Liminka School of Arts. Her work has been exhibited in both Finland and France. In 2023, she took part in an artist residency in Vallauris, France, and in 2025 her painting Blue Mussels was selected as the cover image for Kaltio magazine. Most recently, Karinen was chosen for Kaleva Media’s Spektri programme, which supports and promotes emerging Oulu-based artists during the city’s year as European Capital of Culture. 

Light and Colour is part of the Artist of the Year 2026 Award presented to Karinen by the Kettuki Association. Established in 2004, the award recognises talented artists working outside the mainstream art world. The Kettuki Association promotes opportunities for artists with special needs across Finland. 

The exhibition is organised in collaboration with Sofia Karinen, Cécile Rousselet-Karinen, the Kettuki Association, and the Lahti Museum of Visual Arts Malva.