About & CV
Laura Kopio (b. 1981) is a visual artist whose work delves into the complexities of power, violence, and societal structures. Through her paintings, she explores the often-invisible ways in which power operates, influencing social roles and historical narratives. While her themes touch on serious issues, her approach invites the viewer into a space of reflection rather than confrontation.
Her background combines both artistic and academic perspectives. She studied visual arts at the Turku Art Academy and further deepened her understanding of history and philosophy at the University of Jyväskylä. This interdisciplinary approach is evident in her work, where philosophical questions meet expressive, layered compositions. Influenced by thinkers like Theodor Adorno, she sees art as a means of giving voice to suffering and uncovering the structures that shape our realities.
Despite the weight of her subject matter, there is an openness in Kopio’s work. Rather than overwhelming the viewer, her art offers a space for contemplation, where complexity and nuance take center stage. She does not offer easy answers, but she does create an invitation: to look more closely, to question, and to recognize the hidden structures that shape our world.
Kopio has been an active presence in the contemporary art scene throughout the 2020s, presenting her work in both solo and group exhibitions. In 2024 she held four solo shows across Finland, underscoring her consistent engagement with new audiences.
Laura Kopio
b. 1981, Helsinki
Living and working in Helsinki
Contact: lauracarolinakopio@gmail.com
Solo exhibitions
2024 Taidekeskus Itä, Lappeenranta
2024 Gallery Uusi Kipinä, Lahti
2024 Gallery 3h+k, Pori
2024 Yö Gallery, Helsinki
2023 Gallery Rajatila, Tampere
2022 Taidekeskus Ahjo, Joensuu
2022 Taidehalli Häme, Hämeenlinna
2020 Gallery Pirkko Liisa Topelius, Helsinki
2016 Sipoon kulttuuritalo Lilla Villan
2014 B-Gallery, Turku
2009 Maa-Tila Gallery, Helsinki
2008 Maa-Tila Gallery, Helsinki
Group and joint exhibitions
2024 Yö kekri vol.2.1, Yö Gallery Helsinki
2024 TM Gallery, Helsinki
2024 Gallery Toolbox, Berlin
2024 Yö Fest Vol.4.4, Yö Gallery, Helsinki
2024 Gallery Toinen silmä, Helsinki
2023 Yö Kekri Vol.2, Yö Gallery, Helsinki
2023 Lopettakaa, Kuusiston taidekartano, Kaarina
2020 TRM 20 / Lacking A Clear Pattern, Gallery Barker, Turku
2017 Misrepresentations: Anttila & Kopio, Sipoon kulttuuritalo Lilla Villan
2017 Tarinoita Talosta, Sipoon kulttuuritalo Lilla Villan
2016 Sipoon taiteilijoiden kesänäyttely, Sipoon kulttuuritalo Lilla Villan
2015 Muutos / Ändring maalausinstallaatio, Joensuun-tila Söderkulla
2014 Hunger strike-performanssi, Anttila & Kopio, KOP kolmio, Turku
2013 Black Plastic Bag Portraits, Anttila & Kopio, KOP kolmio, Turku
2013 Ja vesi oli mustaa, Köysirata Gallery, Turku
2013 Seitsemän kuolemansyntiä, Cafe Art, Turku
2011 Punk, Ruisrock, Turku
2011 Kattaus äideille ja lapsille, Couvert pour les méres et les enfants, Köysirata Gallery, Turku
2010 Pakopiste, Köysirata Gallery, Turku
2009 Villikanit, Maa-Tila Gallery and Sinebrychoff park, Helsinki
2008 Unfinished Business, Maa-Tila Gallery, Helsinki
2008 Perjantai 13. päivä, Maa-Tila Gallery, Helsinki
2007 Katukivetyksen alla on rantahiekkaa, Maa-Tila Gallery, Helsinki
Education
2020- University of Jyväskylä, Master's Programme in Cultural Environment Studies, art historian
2020 University of Helsinki, art history (Open University)
2019 University of Helsinki, Aesthetics (Open University)
2019 Aalto University, drawing and painting courses (Open University)
2019 Aalto University, Theories of Art (Open University)
2019 Turku Academy of Arts Fine Arts Degree Programme – Fine Artist Bachelor of Arts
2009 Art School Maa
Grants
2022 Arts Promotion Center Finland
2021 Arts Promotion Center Finland
2020 Arts Promotion Center Finland
2017 Aktia Bank, grant for working group
2016 Sipoo Municipality, target grant for working group
Memberships and positions of trust
2023 (from) Yö ry, Member of the Board (Vice Chairperson)
2023 (from) Yö ry, exhibition committee member
2021 (from) Finnish Painters' Union
2021 (from) Helsinki Artists' Association
2015–2017 Lilla Villanin Ystävät ry, Member of the Board
2017 Lilla Villanin Ystävät ry, Chairperson of the Board
