Tapani Kokko: Butterfly

Intricate, skilfully executed wood carving is a defining hallmark of Tapani Kokko’s practice. His sculptures often raise a smile through their playfully offbeat interpretations of art history and human foibles. Richly imaginative, his works exude a palpable joy in making, combining roughly carved textures with exuberant ornamentation to create figures with a mischievous, vibrant presence. Kokko draws inspiration from a wide range of visual sources, notably the aristocratic Baroque and Rococo styles of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. In his hands, however, the drama and opulence of the Baroque and the light-hearted decorativeness of Rococo take on a distinctive rough edge. His unique approach might be described as “folk Baroque” or “Outsider Rococo”: by reinterpreting canonical styles through a craft-based sensibility, Kokko celebrates both the inherent qualities of his materials and unrestrained flights of fancy.

Kokko’s exceptional craftsmanship is evident in his wide range of woodworking techniques. Carved wood is often combined with colourful textiles, gold paint, and glitter, lending his sculptures a storybook-like magic. Grooves and drawn details suggest movement and dynamic tension, while the lively, textured surfaces seem to beckon the viewer into an imaginative world. Adding their own charm are old candlesticks, chandeliers, silver spoons, and other vintage objects that Kokko incorporates into his works.

Tapani Kokko (born 1969) is acclaimed for his bold wooden sculptures depicting a wide array of figures and human themes. Central to his practice is a folk art–inspired approach associated with “ITE art” (an acronym for itse tehty elämä, or “self-made life”), combined with complex references to sculptural tradition. Kokko graduated from the Academy of Fine Arts in 1999 and is also active as a musician, actor, and performance artist. His works are held in collections including the Sara Hildén Art Museum, Hämeenlinna Art Museum, Tampere Art Museum, Turku Art Museum, and HAM Helsinki City Art Museum. He lives and works in Orimattila, Finland.