Persten

MORE TOMATO KETCHUP AND MUSTARD GAS
(MY VERY BEST FRIENDLY FIRE)

I make art out of everyday life, including special offers and car bombs, exotic cocktails and Molotov cocktails, cleaning the house and ethnic cleansing, fast food and Blitzkrieg.

I am interested in everyday conflicts, such as Big Mac vs. Döner Kebab, Human Rights vs. Our Economy, Your Economy vs. Our Economy, Real Madrid vs. Real World, David Beckham vs. Iberian Cured Ham, Ham vs. Hambre, Patria vs. Enemy, Patria vs. Patria.

I find my materials in newspapers (demonstration banners demanding more freedom), flyers put under windscreen wipers (earn money without a job), advertisements in newspapers (blow job without a condom), and breakfast cereal boxes (chocolate super hero eats his children).

I do drawings, but cannot draw. I do paintings, but cannot paint. I do other things, too, but cannot do that either. It is a tragedy, but tragedies are appreciated in Arts.

I am happy because I like my job, says a prostitute's note in a telephone booth. I am happy, too.

RIIKO SAKKINEN was born July 2, 1976 in Helsinki. After graduating from Academy of Fine Arts in Helsinki in 2002, he moved to Spain, where he lives in Cervera de los Montes, a tiny village in the province of Toledo. He is married and has a daughter.

Riiko Sakkinen does A4 standard size drawings and exhibits them in colored wall installations. He also does paintings, objects, photographs, videos, actions, interventions, texts, and concepts.

Riiko Sakkinen has put on several solo shows in Europe and the United States since 1996. His work has been displayed at numerous group shows around the world and is included in the permanent collections of Museum of Modern Art, New York, and Helsinki City Art Museum.

Every morning, Riiko Sakkinen walks in the forest with his daughter. He likes Sefardi cuisine and supports Real Madrid.

www.riikosakkinen.com