State Prizes 2015 for Cinema, Visual Arts, Illustrations, Media Art and Photographic Art

Sanni Grahn-Laasonen, Minister of Education and Culture, presented this year?s State Prizes for Cinema, Visual Arts, Illustrations, Media Art and Photographic Art on Wednesday in Helsinki.

The State Prize for Cinema went to the documentary director Markku Heikkinen, the State Prize for Visual Arts was received by artist Vesa-Pekka Rannikko. The State Prize for Illustrations went to the illustrator Matti Pikkujämsä. The State Prize for Media Art went to experimental music composer Shinji Kanki and State Prize for Photographic Art went to the photographer Sanna Kannisto.

State Awards are granted by the national arts councils - the expert bodies of the Arts Promotion Centre Finland - to an artist or a group of two or more artists in recognition of a work or performance in a specific art form.

Each State Award is worth EUR 13,500, with the funds coming from Veikkaus, the national lottery company.

State Prize for Cinema

In his films documentary director Markku Heikkinen (born in 1966) deals with topics that are important in our society. Talvivaaran miehet that came out in 2014 takes a powerful stand on environmental policy, while taking part in the highly topical dialogue on the status and future of mining industry in Finland. With his art Markku Heikkinen fulfils the core mission of documentary films of telling about the real world and making a difference. His voice has a national meaning and impact.

State Prize for Visual Arts

Visual artist Vesa-Pekka Rannikko (born in 1968) is a versatile artist capable of constant renewal who uses elements from sculpture, painting and moving image. In his works conceptuality is combined with visually interesting and fascinating solutions, which brings a firm as well as surprising touch to Rannikko?s art. His works have been displayed widely both in Finland and abroad. In 2011 he represented Finland at the 54th Venice Biennale. Vesa-Pekka Rannikko?s next private exhibition will be at Forum Box in spring 2016.

State Prize for Illustrations

Illustrator Matti Pikkujämsä (born in 1976) has a long work history in newspaper, magazine and book illustrations. He has also designed textiles for Marimekko, Samuji and Lapuan Kankurit. His most recent projects include live painting portraits, that is, capturing a live model in the artist?s own characteristic style. The portraits and models can also be viewed on the internet.

State Prize for Media Art

Experimental composer Shinji Kanki (born in 1953) has had a long, versatile and multidisciplinary career in auditory art. He has lived and worked in Finland since 1985, with his diverse activities ranging from experimental music and other auditory art to experimental radio broadcasting. In 2014 Shinji Kanki organised and curated an exhibition of Finnish auditory art in Tokyo, where it was seen by more than 14 000 visitors.

State Prize for Photographic Art

Sanna Kannisto (born in 1974) is an internationally renowned photographic artist who has developed a very special way of visual expression. Her quite unique works combine nature photography, key issues of photographic art and science-based ways of displaying nature. Kannisto?s works have been seen in numerous exhibitions in Finland and abroad. She has also made several important photographic books, including Fieldwork published by the famous US publishing house Aperture in 2011.


Photos from the event: https://www.flickr.com/photos/okmfi/  

Arts Promotion Centre Finland