Born 1970 | Lives and works in Helsinki
Visual artist Petri Ala-Maunus (b. 1970 in Kuortane) has in recent years explored apocalyptic paradise landscapes in his paintings, portraying a kind of supernatural realm—an idea of a landscape composed of multiple elements. In his new works, the landscapes have taken on dreamlike and surreal tones. For Ala-Maunus, painting—the space defined by the stretcher bars—is a gateway to an otherworldly reality where the laws of physics do not limit expressive power. Through painting, it becomes possible to imagine parallel universes—past, future, or beyond our comprehension. The tension in Ala-Maunus’ landscapes is palpable, while at the same time they invite the viewer to peek beyond the hill. As much of our surrounding world has already been explored, the imagined worlds in his paintings open up endless possibilities on the journey toward new, unknown territories.
This year, Ala-Maunus’ works have been exhibited in the collection shows at Kiasma, Amos Rex, and Ateneum Art Museum, as well as at Serlachius Manor in Mänttä, Hyvinkää Art Museum, and Valamo Monastery. He was awarded the Pirkanmaa Art Prize in 2007 and the William Thuring Award by the Finnish Art Society in 2010. In 2019, he was nominated for the Ars Fennica Award. He also won the audience vote at the Mänttä Art Festival in 2007, the Turku Biennial in 2013, and the Ars Fennica nominee exhibition in 2019.
Ala-Maunus’ works are included in several art collections, such as those of Kiasma, Amos Rex, Sara Hildén Art Museum, Helsinki Art Museum, the Saastamoinen Foundation, Tampere Art Museum, Turku Art Museum, the Wihuri Foundation and the Heino Foundation as well as numerous private art collections.
