Meeri Koutaniemi – Irti kuvasta is a Finnish documentary series aired on Yle Teema, hosted by the acclaimed photographer and visual artist Meeri Koutaniemi. The series delves into the world of Finnish contemporary artists, exploring their creative processes, sources of inspiration, and how they perceive the world through their art.
Each episode features Koutaniemi engaging in intimate conversations with a different Finnish visual artist. Through these discussions, the series uncovers the deeply personal motivations behind their work, touching upon themes like creativity, morality, death, nature, intuition, and the challenge of letting go of ego, prejudices, and social pressures in artistic creation.
A key element of each episode is the presentation of a classic work from Finnish art history that has particularly inspired the featured artist, creating a bridge between historical and contemporary artistic expression. This allows for a broader understanding of how art from different eras can influence and resonate with current artists.
The series culminates in Koutaniemi creating a portrait of the interviewed artist, a collaborative process that further emphasizes the connection between photographer and subject, and the act of seeing beyond the surface. “Irti kuvasta” offers viewers a unique and insightful glimpse into the minds and working lives of Finnish artists, showcasing the power of art to interpret and transform our relationship with the world.
Watch series: areena.yle.fi/1-50701000
Artists: Outi Pieski, Antti Laitinen, Henry Wuorila-Stenberg, Anne Koskinen, Jussi TwoSeven, Juliana Hyrri, Juhana Moisander sekä Teija ja Pekka Isorättyä.
Credits:
Director: Otso Tiainen | Host: Meeri Koutaniemi | Screenwriters: Meeri Koutaniemi & Otso Tiainen | Producer: Phuong Chu Suominen | Production: Gimmeyawallet Productions Oy | Dop: Hannu Pyyhtiä, Sami Levo & Juge Heikkilä | Editors: Jussi Heikkinen, Emmi Taskinen, Toni Tikkanen, Niklas Colliander ja Tony Sheng | Sound Design: Karo Broman – Silencio | Color Grading: Iikka Kinnunen
