Biography

Laura Lappi is interested in observing and examining how architecture and spatial environments influence our perceptions and affect reality; in particular, her focus is on the experience and emotional charge of different places and the fluid boundaries between reality and fiction. Her sculptural practice explores the relationship between physical spaces, man-made structures, and the human mind - the psychogeography of places. The starting point of her work usually comes from a real, existing location, which she explores by researching its history and geography. Based on these places she creates sculptures and site-specific installations, using photography and videography as a means to document them. In her projects she wants to trigger a sense of bewilderment, uncertainty, and mystery by fabricating unexpected situations, shifting meaning and the viewer’s point of view to open a new sensitivity to our surroundings. Important themes within her work include historical memories, decay and destruction, and emotions such as loneliness and yearning. Lappi has studied at the AKI Academy of Art & Design in the Netherlands and in the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. Her work has been exhibited widely in solo and group shows internationally, including at Riihimäki Art Museum, Galleria Uusi Kipinä, and Galleria Titanik in Finland; Galleri Vest and SÍM Gallery in Reykjavik, Iceland; Kunstpodium T, Twente Biennale, Re:Rotterdam International Art Fair in The Netherlands; Supermarket Art Fair in Stockholm, Sweden; Lorimoto Gallery, Trestle Gallery, AC Institute and Knockdown Center in New York, and The Yard exhibition space in Colorado Springs. Lappi has participated at numerous residencies, including Yaddo in Saratoga Springs, SÍM in Reykjavik and Vermont Studio Center in Johnson. She has been awarded grants from Alfred Kordelin Foundation, The Queens Council on the Arts, Finnish Cultural Foundation, Frame Contemporary Art Finland and Arts Promotion Centre Finland. Her recent fellowships include the Bronx Museum of the Arts AIM fellowship program and New York Foundation for the Arts IAP Mentoring Program.