In recent years, artist Petri Ala-Maunus (b.1970 Kuortane) has been working with apocalyptic paradise landscapes in his paintings, which depict a kind of supernature, the idea of a landscape composed of many parts. The meticulous painting surface of Ala-Maunus’ works hides the threat in huge rolling forests, waterfalls, clouds and mountains, creating a strong sense of the natural experience.
Ala-Maunus studied at the Kankaanpää Art School 1990-1993 and at the Academy of Fine Arts 2009-11 (MFA). His recent exhibitions include the Ateneum Art Museum, Amos Rex, Kiasma and solo exhibitions at Makasiini Contemporary in Turku, Jyväskylä Art Museum, Salo Art Museum, Laukko Manor in Vesilahti and Pohjanmaa Museum in Vaasa. He has been awarded the Pirkanmaa Art Prize 2007 and the William Thuring Award 2010 by the Finnish Art Association. In 2019 he was nominated for the Ars Fennica Prize. At Mänttä Art Week 2007, Turku Biennale 2013 and Ars Fennica nomination 2019 he won the public vote.
Ala-Maunus’ works are part of several art collections, including The Zabludowicz Collection, HSH Nordbank, Kiasma, Amos Rex, HAM, Sara Hidén Art Museum, Heino Art Foundation, Saastamoinen Foundation, Wihuri Foundation and numerous private collections.