Verneri Salonen

Verneri Salonen (b. 1989) is a Finnish visual artist who explores the personal and societal aspects of desire. He seeks emancipation from unwanted desires through the process of art. Salonen customizes appropriate mediums, techniques and materials to meet the unique needs of each project.

Salonen holds an MFA from the Academy of Fine Arts at the University of the Arts Helsinki. Prior to art studies, Salonen graduated as a mechanical engineer. Understanding manufacturing processes and operating principles of machines has contributed to the topics and technical approaches he has chosen in his practice.


During my HIAP residency I will continue to nose around the Western desire machinery. I’m curious to learn more about the theory of mimetic desire, and I’m going to research the subject through readings and artistic exploration. My goal is to learn new skills and strengthen my own artistic language which cannot happen in a vacuum. I look forward to spending time with fellow residents and exchanging inspirational ideas.

Verneri Salonen’s residency at HIAP is realised in collaboration with University of the Arts Helsinki Foundation.