Hi there!

My name is Olesya Fokina and I am a multi-disciplinary creative from capital region of Finland.

I was born in Russia into a creative family that certainly influences the curiosity and development of my subsequent activities.

In 1995, I graduated from the N.P. Shlein Art School (Kostroma, Russia). 

During my studies, my work "Cat in the Night Window" participated in international exhibitions, in England and Finland, acquired by a collector.

In 1997, I passed the creative competition to study "Technology of artistic processing of materials, jewelry" at the Kostroma State Technological University. At the same time, I worked as an illustrator for a local newspaper.

Soon after, I began working as a journalist and received a Master's degree in "Socio-cultural service and tourism”. Before moving to Finland, I also held administrative positions related to culture and mass media.

In Finland, I completed the refresher courses "Image, Music and Digital Technologies for Teachers, European Art Education" (2011) and "Image in New Media and Environmental Art, School in Europe - Europe at School" (2012) at Sibelius Academy.

In 2019-20, I took painting courses at Snellman Higher School (Finland).

I have been trained in Russia and Finland in audiovisual, theater, pedagogy and translation and have worked also as an actress, interpreter, and children's club instructor. I continue to learn new things, I am also studying art therapy and also - social and diaconal work. I have experience working creatively with different groups of people, including older people and people with special needs (disability). 

I have represented Finland in the finals of international art competitions.

My inspirations were and always remain Marc Chagall, Wassily Kandinsky from the early period, Van Gogh from the Parisian period, Pekka Halonen, the African cycle of Akseli Gallen-Kallella, my University teacher, graphic artist Vladimir Lyamin. Finally, the modern and well-known artist and master of engraving, Alexander Mariev.

The components of my works at the time are walking, air movement and the smells of the environment. An attempt to explore the inner world of nature and character and accompanied by texts of narrative and spiritual literature and to convey my interpretation through subconscious improvisation.

EDUCATION

1989-1995, N.P. Shlein Art School (Kostroma, Russia). 

1997-2000, Technology of artistic processing of materials, jewelry, Kostroma State Technological University (Russia). 

2000-2004, Master's degree in Socio-cultural service and tourism, Kostroma State Technological University (Russia).

2002, postgraduate study Theory and Practice of Excursion Activities, Center for Study and Business of Kostroma State Technological University (Russia).

2011, refresher course Image, Music and Digital Technologies for Teachers, European Art Education, Sibelius Academy (Finland).

2012, refresher course Image in New Media and Environmental Art, School in Europe - Europe at School, Sibelius Academy (Finland).

2013-2015, Audiovisual communication professional degree, Keuda (Finland).

2016-2017 Theatre activities: Applied drama, Työväen Akatemia (Finland); 

Open University: drama edication - University of Jyväskylä (drama education), theatre studies - University of the Arts Helsinki (Finland).

2016 Acting masterclass, PASS, The Performing Arts Studio Scotland (Scotland). 

2017-2018 Theater activities: Theater expression, Työväen Akatemia (Finland); 

Open University: theatre studies - University of the Arts Helsinki, University of Turku, creative writing - University of Jyväskylä (Finland).

2018-2019 Directing (Theater), Institute for Advanced Training and Professional Retraining of Specialists (Russia). 

2019 Immersive Theatre Course, University of the Arts Helsinki Open University (Finland).

2019 Acting (Film and Theatre), Independent non-profit consulting and professional retraining services organisation "Professional standard" (Russia).

2019-2020 Pedagogist of Continuing Education for Children and Adults (Theatrical Activities), Interregional Institute for the Development of Education (Russia).  

2019-2020, Elementary and Advanced painting courses, Snellman Higher School (Finland).

2019, 2024, Interpreting, Taitotalo (Finland). 

I am also studying art therapy and also - social services and soul care. When I complete these learnings, I will tell you more about them.

EXHIBITIONS

1995, International Art Exhibitions of Young Artists, UK and Finland

August, 31st 2024 - creative event "Inside the Piano Gallery" (project of Alexander Margin, salon presentation in Manhattan, New York)  

September 2024 - gallery exhibition in Manhattan, NY (belonging to Alexander Margin's project)

Fall 2024 - “Life, Death, Love” international online competition (finalist) and online art exhibition (Innovative arts organization Art Collide)

November 16th, 2024 - January 16th, 2025 - "Lost" International online competition, online show (Gallerium)

November 23th, 2024 - January 23th, 2025 - "Delicate" International online competition, online show (Gallerium)

December 11th, 2024 - February 11th, 2025 - "Abstractum" International online competition, online show (Gallerium)

December 14th, 2024 - February 14th, 2025 - "Spectrum" International online competition, online show (Gallerium)

My Solo exhibitions in Finland are planned for autumn 2025–spring 2026.