Onni Alanko’s paintings bring color to summer at Finnish Design Shop
Onni Alanko’s paintings will be on display at the showroom through the end of August.
THE FINNISH DESIGN SHOP showroom & shop in Turku has become a favorite stop for design lovers heading to Southwest Finland on their summer travels.
In addition to a selection celebrating summer living and design, the showroom walls are once again filled with a seasonal art exhibition – now a beloved tradition.
This summer’s featured artist is Helsinki-based visual artist Onni Alanko, whose paintings explore the layered and ever-changing nature of urban spaces through a subtle and nuanced expression.
The Finnish Design Shop showroom & shop in Turku is filled with a sunny selection of design favourites.
Onni Alanko’s exhibition continues the tradition of previous summer exhibitions, where design and visual art come together in harmony.
Alanko’s subtle paintings are inspired by urban observations and everyday phenomena.
All artworks featured in the exhibition are available for purchase.
Hi Onni! Could you briefly tell us about yourself and your journey into visual art?
“I’m a visual artist based in Helsinki, where I still live and work today. I’ve always felt a strong need to create, and that was something encouraged at home from an early age. Once I reached adulthood, making art gradually became an increasingly important part of my life, while many of my other interests slowly faded into the background. For a long time, art remained a passion rather than a profession, but it was only after being accepted into the Academy of Fine Arts that I began to believe it could also become my career.”
What kind of works will be featured in the showroom’s summer exhibition?
“The exhibition includes works created between 2022 and 2025. They are connected both by their themes and by the way they were made. The starting point for each piece is an observation of different spaces, which I’ve layered and combined within the paintings. Through this process, I aim to create a new kind of place and atmosphere on the canvas – something undefined that doesn’t directly refer to any specific environment.”
Onni Alanko graduated with a Master of Fine Arts degree from the Academy of Fine Arts, Helsinki, in 2024. Photo: Petri Summanen
The graphic lines and layered tones of the artworks create a dialogue with the surrounding design pieces.
The layered character of urban space, constant change and the passage of time are recurring themes in Alanko’s work.
Paintings are displayed across both floors of the two-storey showroom.
This painting is paired with Vitra’s atmospheric Akari paper lamp.
What is inspiring you at the moment?
“Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about change: the shifting weather, the transition from one time of day to another, how those changes feel, and how they affect my mood. I’m also drawn to the constant transformation of urban spaces – construction, demolition, renovation, and the natural wear that comes with time. I’m fascinated by how environments evolve and how those changes shape the way we experience different places.”
“I’m drawn to the constant transformation of urban spaces – construction, demolition, renovation, and the natural wear that comes with time.”
And how are you planning to spend the summer?
“The beginning of summer will be busy, with several exhibitions keeping me occupied. Once those are behind me, I’m looking forward to heading to a cottage and taking some time to unwind. I’ll probably spend the latter part of the summer in Helsinki, doing a bit of work while also making the most of the season. I hope to spend plenty of time outdoors and catch up with friends.
Even when I’m off work, I often find myself observing my surroundings and collecting impressions that may later find their way into future artworks. At the same time, I think it’s important to give my thoughts room to breathe and occasionally step away from work altogether. More often than not, that’s when the best ideas emerge.”
Located alongside the Turku Ring Road, the showroom & shop welcomes visitors throughout the summer from Monday to Saturday.
The showroom’s summer exhibition also features popular Marimekko outdoor rugs and Nordic patio furniture perfect for creating a summer retreat.
Ferm Living’s Dapple outdoor furniture draws inspiration from sunlight filtering through leaves.
Frandsen’s rechargeable Grasp table lamp moves effortlessly from indoors to outdoor garden parties.
The restaurant adjoining the showroom serves seasonal lunch dishes crafted from fresh local ingredients, with unexpected flavor combinations adding a creative twist.
Summer at the showroom
Finnish Design Shop’s showroom & shop is open on weekdays from 11 am to 6 pm and on Saturdays from 11 am to 3 pm. The lunch restaurant serves customers on weekdays from 11 am to 2 pm.
Onni Alanko’s summer exhibition is on display from 22 May to 29 August 2026. All artworks in the exhibition are available for purchase.
Welcome for a visit!
See also:
• Showroom & shop >
• Finnish Design Shop’s restaurant >
Published on 3 Jun, 2026
