Riikka Latva-Somppi b.1969 (MA) is an artist-researcher, curator and educator working in various assignments
involving expertise in the field. She works at the intersection of fine art and craft and has
exhibited widely nationally and internationally. Her public art work Satakieli/Nightingale
was awarded The Certificate of Environmental Art 2009 by The Foundation of Environmental
Art (Finland). The Tikkurila park and marketplace was awarded The Environmental Structure of the year 2017 with special recognition for public art by the artist group ART4 (Brinck, Latva-Somppi, Ranki, Turpeinen) commisioned by the Vantaa Art Museum. Latva-Somppi is a member of Artists-O (Ornamo) and The Association of Finnish Sculptors.
She is currently employed by Aalto University as a doctoral researcher in the School of Arts, Design and Architecture, Department of Design, EMPIRICA research group. In her practice-led doctoral research, she studies the role of craft in the environmental discourse. She investigates the way in which craft knowledge and making by hand may be utilised to catalyse collective action to engage with environmental questions. Her research context is in the relationship between humans and soil, which she appraoaches through her background in ceramics and glass. Her practice-led research merges scientific and artistic methods, and utilises curating exhibitions as a way of making visible the insights gained through the interdisiplinary practice. Her doctoral research is funded by Jenny and Antti Wihuri Foundation.
PLEASE SEE NEWS FOR THE LATEST PUBLICATIONS AND OTHER RESEARCH RELATED ACTIVITIES
CV
education
2018- Aalto University, School of Arts, Design and Architecture, Department of Design, Doctoral Candidate
1989-1995 University of Art and Design, Department of Ceramics and Glass, Helsinki, Finland, MA
1992-93 Sheridan College, School of Craft and Design, Department of Glass, Oakville, Ontario, Canada
solo and duo exhibitions
2017 Elintärkeä, Galleria G12, Kuopio, Finland
2016 The Laboratory of Presence, with Kristoffer (a horse), Huuto Galleria, Jätkä 1, Helsinki, Finland
2016 ORGANIKA, with Maxim Velkovsky, Galerie Kuzebauch, Prague Czech Republic
2016 Posliinitavaraa / Porcelainware, Drawing Gallery D5, Kaapelitehdas, Helsinki
2016 FORM FOLLOWS FUN aCTION with Mervi Haapakoski, Kanneltalo Gallery, Helsinki
2011 Täsä / Here, Poriginal galleria, Pori, Finland
2011 Tässä / Here, Galleria Pirkko-Liisa Topelius, Helsinki, Finland
2009 Artists-O Artist of the Month, June-July 2009 www.artists-o.fi and Design Museum Helsinki
2008 Rakas lapsi (together with Synnöve Dickhoff), Jorvi Hospital, Espoo Finland
1995 Preesens, Galerie Pelin, Helsinki, Finland
1995 Lupiininsiemen ja muita kokemuksia, Cygnaeus Gallery, Helsinki, Finland
selected group exhibitions
2023 Arts, Crafts & Rabbit Holes, Fiskars
2022 Signals at Habitare, Helsinki, Finland
2022-2023 Hand Formed Matter, Bröhan Museum, Berlin / The Glass Factory, Boda, Sweden / The Finnish Glass Museum
2021 Kantava maa / Solid Ground at Väre, Aalto University, FI
2021- 2022 Ceramics Facing the New in EMMA, Espoo Museum of Modern Art, FI
2020-2021 Soil Matters in The Designmuseum, Helsinki, FI
2020 Art of Research, Aalto University, Espoo, FI (online)
2019 Research Pavilion #3 Infolab, Exhibition Laboratory, Helsinki, Finland
2019 Traces from the Anthropocene: Working with Soil in Designs for a Cooler Planet Exhibition series, Beta Space, Espoo, Finland
2019 Research Pavilion #3, Venice, Italy
2017 Time Difference - Tallinn Applied Art Triennal, Estonian Museum of Applied Art Tallinn, Tallinn, Estonia
2017 State of the Art - Menneen ja tulevan välissä, Headquarters Museum, Mikkeli, Finland
2017 Oi Suomi katso, Lokal, Helsinki, Finland
2016 State of the Art, Visavuori Museum, Valkeakoski, Finland
2016 Olo - Maerkbart, Kouvola Art Museum Poikilo, Finland
2016 European Glass Context, Bornholm, Denmark
2016 Behind the Seen, Porvoo Art Hall , Finland
2015 12th IGS exhibition, Glass Museum Nový Bor, Czech Republic
2015 Huominen / Tomorrow, Haihara Art Center, Tampere, Finland
2014 The First Chinese Glass Art Biennale, Shanghai, China
2013 SKjL 2013 Union of Finnish Art Associations, Voipaala Art Centre, Finland
2013 ART4, AHJO art center, Joensuu, Finland
2013 Mine - Take What’s Yours, Underline Gallery, New York, NY, USA
2012 Spirit of the Material, The White Box Museum, 798 Art District, Beijing, China
2012 Food for Art, Restaurant G.W.Sundman’s, Helsinki, Finland
2012 Metamorfoosi ’12, Lahti Art Museum, Finland
2012 Tendenser, Gallery F 15, Moss, Norway
2011 Between Tradition and Future ,Cheongju International Craft Biennale, Cheungju, South-Korea
2011 PYHÄNIEMI 2011 contemporary art, Pyhäniemi Manor, Hollola, Finland
2011 FI Collect, LB Contemporary, Helsinki, Finland
2010 Artists 2010, Artist’s Association of Finlands 115. exhibition, TR1 Tampere Kunsthalle, Finland
2010 Arsboretum Winter, Galleria Pirkko-Liisa Topelius / Westers, Kemiönsaari, Finland
2010 SKjL 2010 Union of Finnish Art Associations, Järvenpää Art Museum, Finland
2010 Ars Häme’10, Forssa, Finland
2010 Remarkable Glass, CAA Gallery, London, UK
2010 Arjen voima, The Power of Every Day, Akseli Gallén-Kallela Museum, Espoo, Finland
2009 OTTO, Circulo de Bellas Artes de Madrid, Spain
2009 Fruit Market, Nuutajärvi, Finland
2008 R.ASIA, Kuparipaja, Fiskars, Finland
2008 OTTO Artists-O introduction exhibition, Vantaa Art Museum, Finland
2007 Kolme = 三 (san), with Kazushi Nakada and Anne Raasakka , Järvenpää, Finland
2006 Remix, Kuparipaja, Fiskars, Finland
2005 Taidetta armosta, Malmi church, Helsinki, Finland
2004 Hajutatud Valgus III, Eesti Tarbekunsti- ja Disaini Muuseum, Tallinn, Estonia,
2004 Vetri. Nel mondo. Oggi, Palazzo Franchetti, Venice, Italy
2004 Nordic Cools, The National Museum of women in the Arts, Washington D.C., USA
2003 Hajavaloa II, Suomen lasimuseo, Riihimäki, Finland
2003 Finnish Glass, Glasgalerie Splinter, Berlin, Germany
2002 Hajavaloa, Järvenpää, Finland
2002 Young and Hot - Emerging European Artists, Amsterdam, Netherlands
1995 2000, -04, -10, -15 Finnish Glass Lives 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 The Finnish Glass Museum, Riihimäki, Finland
1996 Valo, Design Forum Finland, Helsinki
1995 Miniatyrer, Galleri Glas Ett, Stockholm, Sweden
1995 Nuoret 48, Kunsthalle Helsinki, Finland
1994 51%, Contemporary Craft Gallery, Portland, Oregon, USA
1994 Baltic Jubilé, Malmö, Sweden
1991 Norsu ja posliinikaupan paluu, Titanik Galleria, Turku, Finland
1991 Reaktioita, Tampere Museum of Contemporary Art, Finland
travelling exhibitions
2014-15 Finnish Glass Art 2005–2010, Eesti Tarbekunsti- ja Disaini Muuseum, Tallinna, Viro
2014 2D→, Arka Gallery, Vilnus, Lithuania, V. Grybas Museum in Jurbarkas, Lithuania, Museum of New Art in Pӓrnu, Estonia, Rietumu Bank gallery in Riga, Latvia
2012-14 Finnish Glass Art 2005–2010, Slovenia, Slovakia, France, Germany, Estonia
2006-09 New Finnish Glass Art 2000-2005, Slovakia, Germany, Latvia, Turkey, Poland, Netherlands
2007 pro.KORU II, Täky-gallery, Lappeenranta, Finland, 2008 Galleri Iron Inc. Copenhagen, Denmark
2006 L’art du verre finlandais 2000-2005, Musée du verre Carmaux, France Conseil Général de Meurthe et Moselle, Nancy, France
2003-04 FASZINATION GLAS Tendenzen in der finnischen Glaskunst,several places, Germany
2001-03 Finlandia – Vanguardia en Vidrio, Spain, Portugal, Mexico, Germany
2000-02 Nordic Glass 2000, Denmark, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Norway
1996-97 Finnish Post War Glass, England
artfairs
2014 ArtHelsinki , Galleria Pirkko-Liisa Topelius
2012 Eunique Internationale Messe für Angewandte Kunst und Design, Karlsruhe
2011 ArtHelsinki , O-Gallery
2011 SWAB, Feria Internacional de Arte Contemporáneo Barcelona, Espanja , Galleria Maaret Finnberg
2011 Collect, London, The International Art Fair for Contemporary Objects, Saatchi Gallery, Galleria Norsu
2010 ArtHelsinki , Galleria Pirkko-Liisa Topelius
2009 ArtHelsinki, Finland, O-galleria
2009 SOFA, Chicago, Galleria Norsu
2008 TAIDE 2008 Art fair, Finland, O-Galleria
1997 Stockholm Art Fair, Sollentuna, Sweden
collections
Finnish Art Foundation, The Finnish Glass Museum, State Art Collection of Finland, Kesko Oy, Jorvi Hospital, Pyhäniemi Manor, The Museum of Decorative Arts in Prague Upm, Vantaa Art Museum, private collections in Finland, Sweden, USA, Canada
public art
Home / Kotiseutu, Public art for Tikkurila market square, City of Vantaa, commisioned by Vantaa Art museum 2015
Public art proposal for Tikkurila new city centre area, City of Vantaa by ART4 (Jaana Brinck, Riikka Latva-Somppi, Merja Ranki, Outi Turpeinen) 2011
Näktergalen Satakieli (Nightingale) commissioned to Arabianranta, Finland 2009
scholarships and grants
Jenny and Antti Wihuri Foundation 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022
Aalto University, Travel grant 2019
Arts Council of Finland 2016
The Finnish Cultural Foundation, 3 year grant, 2013
The Finnish Cultural Foundation, Region of Uusimaa 2012
Arts Council of Finland, Grant of Public Display in Visual Arts 2012
Arts Council of Uusimaa 2012
Oskar Öflunds Stiftelse 2011
Arts Council of Finland 2011
Arts Council of Finland, Travel grant 2010
Aalto University School of Art and Design, Travel grant 2010
Arts Council of Finland, Grant of Public Display in Visual Arts 2010
Arts Council of Finland, Travel grant 2009, 2010
The Finnish Cultural Foundation, Region of Uusimaa 2007, -03
Kesko Oy, Pirkka-scholarship 1995
Haystack Mountain School of Crafts, Deer Isle, ME, USA 1993
University of Art and Design, Helsinki, Finland 1996 , 1992
Several group grants
awards
Whitegold Prize, 2019. Working with Soil-group led by Maarit Mäkelä and Riikka Latva-Somppi was shortlisted for the competition
The Environmental Structure of the year 2017 awarded to to Tikkurilan kirjastopuisto and Tikkurilantori. The certificate of honour was awarded to: Vantaa city/kuntatekniikan keskus, Maisemasuunnittelu Hemgård Landscape Design, Artist group ART4 (Brinck, Latva-Somppi, Ranki, Turpeinen), and VRJ Etelä-Suomi OyPublic art by group ART4 (Brinck, Latva-Somppi, Ranki, Turpeinen)
Certificate of Honour for Environmental Art in 2009 for Näktergalen Satakieli (Nightingale) by Foundation for Environmental Art 2010
Champagne glass design competition, 2nd prize, 2007. The Finnish Glass Museum.
related work experience and teaching
2018- Visiting lecturer and thesis advising, Aalto University Aalto University, School of Arts, Design and Architecture, Department of Design
2020 Curator for Soil Matters (with Maarit Mäkelä) in The Designmuseum, Helsinki, FI
2019-2020 Curator for In Good Hands (with Kieran Long) 2020, Friends of the Finnish Handicrafts SKY 140, Design Museum, Helsinki, The Craft Museum of Finland, Jyväskylä, FI, and The Ostrobothnian Museum, Vaasa, FI
2019- Invited lecturer, Aalto University Aalto University, School of Arts, Design and Architecture, Department of Design, Department of Art and Department of Art Education
2016 Curator for Ceramics and its Dimensions, Shaping the Future touring exhibition, Fiskars FI, Selb and Berlin GE, Stoke on Trent and Belfast GB, Ljubljana SI, Prague CZ
2015 Horse and art research program in Hungary
2014-18 Lecturer Aalto University Aalto University, School of Arts, Design and Architecture, Department of Design
2013-14 Senior lecturer Aalto University Aalto University, School of Art, Design and Architecture, Department of Design, Ceramic and Glass Design
2013 Visiting lecturer, Turku University
2011-17 Curator for PYHÄNIEMI contemporary art exhibitions, Pyhäniemi Manor, Hollola, Finland
2010 Co-curator for PYHÄNIEMI contemporary art exhibition with Sam Inkinen, Pyhäniemi Manor, Hollola, Finland
2010-2014 Lecturer, Aalto University School of Arts, Design and Architecture, Dept. of Design, Ceramic and Glass Design
1996-09 Lecturer, University of Art and Design, Helsinki, Dept. of Design, Ceramic and Glass Design
2006- Private glassworkshops
2005, -07 Lecturerer, University of Art and Design, Helsinki, Dept. of Design, Industrial Design
1998 Tutor for BA thesis, Institute of Design, Lahti University of Applied Sciences
seminars/ conference lectures (academic and professional)
see News for recent work
Riikka Latva-Somppi (2021). Soil as a material mediator: Combining environmental research with ceramic practice. Keynote lecture for the topic Locality and materiality, 49th International Academy of Ceramics Congress, Rovaniemi, online 22.-23.9.2021.
Latva-Somppi, Riikka, Mäkelä, Maarit, Lindström, Kristina, & Ståhl, Åsa. (2021). Entangled Materialities: Caring for soil communities at glass industry sites. Biennal International Conference for the Craft Sciences, online, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
Latva-Somppi, Riikka (2020). Using craft as a field of inquiry in contemporary environmental discourse. Exploratory paper. Art of Research Conference: Authorship and Responsibility, online, Aalto University, Otaniemi
Vega, Luis, Aktas, Bilge M, Falin, Priska, Latva-Somppi, Riikka & Valle-Noronha, Julia (2020). Shared Authorship in Research through Art, Design, and Craft. Art of Research Conference: Authorship and Responsibility, online, Aalto University, Otaniemi
Latva-Somppi, Riikka (2019). Traces from the Anthropocene. Sensing the Environment through Craft Practice. The Nordic Society of Aesthetics, Annual Conference 2019 27.-29.5.2019, Espoo, Finland (non-refereed)
2010 Full paper, Design and Emotion, IIT Institute of Design, Chicago, Illinois, USA
2006 Meeting point-konference, Tallinn, Estonia
1998 Materiaalin muisti- seminar, Lahden Muotoiluinstituutti, Finland
1992 Full paper, Interaction in Ceramics-konferenssi, University of Art and Deign Helsinki
1991 Full paper, American Ceramic Society , Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
positions of trust
2017-19 Vice chair, The Board of State Art Collection, Finland
2013-14 National Council for Multidisciplinary Art 2013 - 2014, Arts Promotion Centre Finland
2013-14 Board of professional matters, The Finnish Association of Designers ORNAMO
2013-16 Entrance Examination Board member, Aalto University, School of Art, Design and Architecture, Department of Design
2012- BA Thesis Evaluator Aalto University, School of Art, Design and Architecture, Department of Design, Ceramic and Glass Design
2010-11 Chair of Artists O
2010-11 Cabinet member, The Finnish Association of Designers ORNAMO, ART
2010-11 Board member, Society for New Craft
2007-08 Member Selection Board, Artists O and The Finnish Association of Designers ORNAMO, ART
2010 BA Thesis Evaluation Board member Aalto University School of Art and Design, Dept. of Design, Ceramic and Glass Design
2008-09 BA Thesis Evaluation Board member University of Art and Design, Helsinki, Dept. of Design, Ceramic and Glass Design
2000-08 MA Thesis evaluator University of Art and Design, Helsinki, Dept. of Design (00, -01, -04, -05,-06, -08)
2006 Artists O Representative, The Finnish Association of Designers ORNAMO
2006-07 BA Portfolio Evaluation Board deputy member, University of Art and Design, Helsinki, Dept. of Design, Ceramic and Glass
1997- Board member / Treasurer, Hytti ry
2002-03 Entrance Examination Board member, University of Art and Design, Helsinki, Dept. of Design, Ceramic and Glass Design
1997 Executive Board, University of Art and Design, Helsinki, Dept. of Design, Ceramics and Glass
memberships
2011- Association of Finnish Sculptors
2010- The Artists and Visual Artists Copyright Society Kuvasto
1996-2020 Hytti ry
2006- The Finnish Association of Designers ORNAMO, Artists o
1996- 2007 The Finnish Association of Designers ORNAMO, Taiko ry Designers Makers
1996- 2000 Glass Arts Assosiation of Canada
1992-95,-02, -18 American Glass Art Society
latest publications
Latva-Somppi, Riikka (2022). Soil Laboratory: Crafting Experiments in an Exhibition Setting. In: Fredriksen, B.C., Groth, C. (eds) Expanding Environmental Awareness in Education Through the Arts. Landscapes: the Arts, Aesthetics, and Education, vol 33. Springer, Singapore.
Latva-Somppi, R. (2022). Working with Soil: Craft, Design and Coactive Power. HannahArendt.Net, 11(1). https://www.hannaharendt.net/index.php/han/article/view/467
Mäkelä, Maarit, Latva-Somppi Riikka (2022). Encountering Soil Matters (Maan materiaalisuuksien äärellä) in Anna Valtonen & Petra Nikkinen (eds.) Designing Change New Opportunities for Organisations (Muotoilulla muutokseen Kehitystyön uudet mahdollisuudet). Aalto University, 96-103. (use this link to load: https://shop.aalto.fi/p/1699-designing-change/)
Latva-Somppi, Riikka & Mäkelä, Maarit, Lindström, Kristina, & Ståhl, Åsa. (2021). Entangled Materialities: Caring for soil communities at glass industry sites. FormAkademisk - forskningstidsskrift for design og designdidaktikk, 14(2). https://doi.org/10.7577/formakademisk.4180
Vega, Luis & Aktas, Bilge M & Falin, Priska & Latva-Somppi, Riikka & Valle-Noronha, Julia (2021) Shared Authorship in Research through Art, Design, and Craft. Research in Arts and Education. 2021(1).https://researtsedu.com/2021-february-1
Latva-Somppi, R. & Mäkelä, M., 2020, Exploring Ecological and Material Sensitivity through Craft Practice in the Context of the Venice Lagoon
In : AISTHESIS. 13, 1, p. 31-46
Latva-Somppi, R.& Mäkelä, M. & Gündeşlioğlu Demir, Ö., 2020, Traces from the Anthropocene: Working with Soil. In : RUUKKU: Studies in Artistic Research. 14, p. 1-26.
Mäkelä, Maarit, Yli-Viikari, Tapio and Latva-Somppi, Riikka (2016): Introduction: Shaping the Future in M. Mäkelä (ed) Ceramics and its Dimensions: Shaping the Future Ed., Aalto University, Helsinki p. 14-20
Ceramics Revisited 2016 , in M. Mäkelä (ed) Ceramics and its Dimensions: Shaping the Future Ed., Aalto University, Helsinki p. 158-159
Kuraattorin tervehdys teoksessa Pyhäniemi 2016, Pyhäniemen kartano Oy, s.16-17
Kuvan haurautta ja voimaa kartanon kesässä (Curator’s greetings) in Pyhäniemi 2015, Pyhäniemen kartano Oy, p.16-17
Outi Heiskanen PYHÄNIEMI 2015 -klassikkotaiteilija in Pyhäniemi 2015, Pyhäniemen kartano Oy, p.18-19
Lapin taika on tarttunut kartanoon! (Curator’s greetings) in Pyhäniemi 2014, Pyhäniemen kartano Oy, p.18-19
Muotojen ja värien leikkiä. Viivija, pintoja, valoa, iloa! (Curator’s greetings) in Pyhäniemi 2013, Pyhäniemen kartano Oy, p.18-19
Katja Kotikoski. Narrations in Clay, in U. Benappi and A. Oikonomidou (eds.) Figure del desiderio. Soggettivitá mutanti nella ricerca pittorica e scultorea di Sonia Ros e Katja Kotikoski, Fondazione Regionale per la cultura e lo Spettacolo, Liguria p. 14-15, 21
Luovaa kapasiteettia taiteen rajapinnoilla! (Curator’s greetings) in Pyhäniemi 2012, Pyhäniemen kartano Oy, p. 22-23
Pyhäniemi 2012 Klassikkotaiteilija Alvar Aalto in Pyhäniemi 2012, Pyhäniemen kartano Oy, p.24-25
Pyhäniemen kartanon kesänäyttely 3.7.-14.8. 2011, Taide & Design 4/ 2011, p.82-87
Olavi Lanu, in Pyhäniemi 2011, Pyhäniemen kartano Oy, p.22-27
Mäkelä, Maarit & Latva-Somppi, Riikka (2011): Crafting Narratives: Using historical context as a reflective tool, Craft Research, volume 2, 06/11
Mäkelä, Maarit & Latva-Somppi, Riikka (2010): Crafting Connections Between Emotions and Materiality, 7th International Conference on Design and Emotion 4.-7.10. 2010. Chicago, Ill., USA
Art in Public Spaces , Brinck, Latva-Somppi, Turpeinen, artist catalogue 09/2010 (ed. Outi Turpeinen)
press (selected)
New Glass Review 38/2017Kristeligt dagblad 24.10.2016, Seutu4 6.7.2016, Neues Glass 3/2016, Vantaan Sanomat 20.3.2016, Aamulehti 14,7,2016, 2.8.2015, Taiteilija 26.6.2015, Wall Street Journal 12.1.2013, China Daily 10/12, Vantaan Sanomat 1.9.2012, Lahti Watti 5 / 2012, ORNAMO 3/12, FCG 04/2012, Satakunnan kansa 11.12.2011 , Glorian koti 08/11, Sara 07/11, Kansan Uutiset 29.7.2011, ESS 2.7.2011, 11.7.2011, Länsi-Suomalainen 1.7. 2011 Helsingin Sanomat 25.7.2014, 14.7. 2013, 29.8.2012, 22.7.2012, 1.7.2011, 17.5.2010, 18.2.2010 http://www.hs.fi ,14.11.2008, 18.11.2004, 28.6.2003, 22.8.2002, 23.7.1995, Annonsbladet 02.12.2010, Salon Seudun Sanomat 02.11.2010, Borgåbladet 19.3.2010, TAIDE 4-10, esse 6.5.2010, Kotiliesi 5/10, p. 46-49, New Glass Review 31/2010, Betoni 1/2010, Pohjois-Helsingin Vartti 24.2. 2010, 7.10.2009, Chicago Tribune 4.11. 2009, Eeva 1/09, Suomen kuvalehti 48/08, New Glass Review 28/2007, Kellokas 7.2.2007, Kotimaa 21.10.2005, Koillis_Helsingin lähi-sanomat 19.10.2005, Helsingin Uutiset 9.11.2005, n:o68 2003, The Urban Glass Art Quarterly fall 2005, Muoto 02/2005, Hyvinkään sanomat 12.5.2003, TAITO 1, 2003, Avotakka 9, 2002, Viikkouutiset 15.8.2002, Keski Uusimaa 9.8.2002, Iltalehti 15.7. 1995, ARTTU 1995