Ilkka Kärkkäinen: Between lines

Between lines, the exhibition by graphic designer and printmaker Ilkka Kärkkäinen, invites to interpret asemic lines and letterforms created using old printing techniques.

The exhibition showcases letterpress prints created over the past few years using discarded 1970s proof presses, abandoned by printing houses. The printing plates were crafted primarily with a technique from the same era, using photopolymer plates, negative films, UV light, and water.

Between lines guides audiences into the world of analog art printed on paper—encouraging interpretation and emotion. It invites viewers to read between the lines, without words. The inked lines and impressions created with printing presses form asemic, illegible rows and letterforms within the artworks.

Ilkka Kärkkäinen is one of Finland’s most acclaimed graphic designers. In recent years, he has focused on printmaking at the Vallila Artists’ House, @so_helsinki studio. After decades in advertising agencies, Kärkkäinen chose to work more slowly and analogically. He acquired old printing presses and immersed himself in letterpress printing technique. Kärkkäinen refers to his current practice as the slow printing method, striving to work more deliberately, slowly and sustainably.

“My work often exists in the undefined space between fine art and commercial graphic design. Over the years, I have observed both worlds closely and sought to understand the vast gap between them. I have been wondering whether we could find ways to bridge these two realms.” –Ilkka Kärkkäinen

The opening of the exhibition will be celebrated on Thursday 16.1.2025 from 5 pm to 7 pm, welcome!

Ilkka Kärkkäinen: Between lines
17.1.–16.2.2025
Luonnos, Uudenmaankatu 13, Helsinki
Wed–Fri 12–17, Sat–Sun 12–16, free admission!
@luonnostila, @so_helsinki, @ilkkago