We chose Helsinki-based artist Jenni Rope to design our 2014 visual identity. We have been running a commission series for Finnish artists and designers to create an annually changing visual identity for the Institute since 2012. Other artists featured in the series include Jaakko Pallasvuo and Janine Rewell.
Jenni Rope (b. 1977) uses a variety of media including painting, illustration, book publishing, print design and animation in her work. She studied painting in the Free Art School in Helsinki and London College of Printing followed by studies in graphic design at the University of Art & Design in Helsinki. Rope is the founder of publishing house Napa Books. Rope has also created comics, illustrated books and record covers along with designing prints for companies such as Marimekko.
She paints and builds to create a world where only her aesthetics apply. She uses colours and cut shapes to form living things, angular plants, soft buildings and new natural phenomena. Her paintings are staged abstract landscapes where man-built shapes and nature compete gently with each other. She works using various techniques as acrylic paint, drawing, paper-cutting and animation.
“This was an inspiring commission for me – it’s always best when you are given an open brief. The Institute works across many different disciplines, so I decided to take an abstract approach to the design. The final design is based on the idea of tools, build, play and creativity.” Jenni says of the commission.
Rope has had solo exhibitions in Berlin, Tokyo, Chicago and Helsinki. Her works have also been exhibited in many group shows in her native Finland and abroad. 1999 she won The Arctic Comics Festival Competition, Kemi Finland and 2008 Young Illustrators Award in animation at the Illustrative Art Forum in Zurich.