Viljami Heinonen exhibition opens at Serlachius in Finland

Viljami Heinonen (b. 1986) is considered to be one of the most talented Finnish painters of the younger generation. His exhibition at Serlachius consists mainly of oil paintings, watercolours and charcoal drawings created between 2023 and 2025.

In his new works, the artist, known for his expressive paintings, depicts human life and the associated wide range of emotions. The paintings feature a figure clothed in a yellow raincoat, through whom the artist addresses the contradictory feelings of the human mind and the brutality of life.

Heinonen has previously painted many bleak dystopias set in the future as well as images of abandoned human dwellings taken over by animals. The artist has drawn inspiration for his new works from the rugged aesthetics of deserted remote areas. He does not, however, depict a specific location; the paintings are a mixture of different influences. November landscapes and desolate spaces are part of the artist’s mindscape.

The horror-romantic or accentuated features created for the characters are an intrinsic element of the artist’s style. He is inspired by, among other things, films, video games and literature. Music is also strongly present: while working, he often listens to heavy rock or Finnish rock music from the 1980s–1990s.

Raincoat-clad observer and strange celebrations

The title of the exhibition, Somewhere in Between, refers to both a place and a state of mind. It can refer to a deserted urban milieu or describe a person’s thoughts. Heinonen’s paintings are influenced by concern about global warming and the uncertain world situation. The raincoat-clad figure is an observer reviewing the world’s threats or contemplating the direction of their own life. The raincoat protects them from threats and prying eyes.

The exhibition also features a number of paintings of people gathered for garden parties or picnics. These partygoers, too, arebruised by life, and the atmosphere is somehow strange. Yet the works exude humanity: the people have come together just as they are.

Although Heinonen’s subjects are often bleak, the strong colours and painting style bring life and energy to the works. The paintings have a strong emotional charge that the artist wishes to convey to the viewer. They can offer comfort and strength amidst everyday emotional turmoil.

Artist Viljami Heinonen

Viljami Heinonen lives and works in a small town called Vesilahti, near the city of Tampere. He graduated from Kankaanpää Art School as a visual artist in 2012. Heinonen has had several solo exhibitions in Finland’s leading galleries and has participated in numerous group exhibitions in both museums and galleries. Abroad, he has exhibited at the Miami Art Fair and in Berlin.

The artist’s works can be found in significant public and private art collections, including HAM Helsinki Art Museum, Saastamoinen Foundation and the State Art Commission. Heinonen has been awarded the first prize in The Art of Basware competition as well as the William Thuring Prize. In early 2025, he was awarded the Marcus Collin Memorial Fund Prize for painting.

The exhibition opening at Serlachius is Heinonen’s first extensive museum exhibition. The exhibition contains approximately fifty works and is curated by Eeva Ilveskoski.

The exhibition Somewhere in Between is open from 13 September 2025 to 30 August 2026 at Serlachius Headquarters.

Press releases and photographs: https://serlachius.fi/en/for-media

Further information and image requests: Susanna Yläjärvi, Information Officer, Serlachius, tel. +358 (0)50 560 0156, susanna.ylajarvi@serlachius.fi

Serlachius is open:

in the summer season, 1 June–31 August, every day 10 am–6 pm
in the winter season, 1 September–31 May, from Tuesday to Sunday, 11 am–6 pm


Visiting addresses:


Serlachius Manor, Joenniementie 47, Mänttä, Finland
Serlachius Headquarters, R. Erik Serlachiuksen katu 2, Mänttä, Finland

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