Siri Viljakka: Stories of inspiration
The story of Finnish queer artist Siri Viljakka is truly inspiring. Yesterday, in an interview with Helsingin Sanomat, we learned more about her journey, and we just had to share it here at Queerland Media.
*Last October, during a trip to the United States, her path took an unexpected turn. What began as a visit to a comics event in Ohio evolved into a decisive moment in New York. There, in a Brooklyn comic book store, she left a few of her sketchbooks. Someone found them, and that discovery eventually caught the attention of none other than the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). *Helsingin Sanomat
Author of the graphic novel Kohti sumua (2022), nominated for the Comic Book Finlandia Award, and named Queer Artist of the Year by Quaareva ry, Viljakka continues creating from Turku, working on projects that highlight queer identities- including her upcoming graphic novel on butch identity.
Finnish queer art has always existed, and today it crosses borders. As an LGBTQ+ community, let’s support our local artists: buy their work, attend their exhibitions, and help their voices reach even further.
Her journey also reminds us that Finnish queer art has always existed and made its mark, from legendary names like Tom of Finland and Tove Jansson, to contemporary creators such as Max Sarin, Otava Heikkilä, Uolevi (Viima) Aikäs, and of course, Siiri Viljakka.
As an LGBTQ+ community, these stories are not only a source of pride but also a call to action. Supporting local queer artists-buying their works, attending their exhibitions, and sharing their projects-is how we strengthen each other. Because when we uplift our creators, we amplify our voices and ensure our stories continue to be told.
*Picture by Tinksu Wessman @tinksuwessman
*Illustrations by Siiri Viljakka to MoMA
