About
MY SCULPTING VISION
Artist statement
I wish to create art which engages the audience in a playful and tactile way, by inviting them to interact with sculptures, or by holding an art medal in-hand, reading its story under their fingertips. I work foremost in metal: steel and bronze. I find metal to be a magical material, so strong yet so malleable; how it can be bent and shaped, cut and welded, or altogether melted and recast into something completely new.
I strive to create work that is accessible to all, and celebrates the joy of living.
CV
Ulrika Kjeldsen
Sculptor, medal maker and set designer born and based on the Aland Islands, Finland.
My sculptures can be seen throughout Mariehamn, in the city library, on the museum ship Pommern, in the suburb of Södra Lillängen as well as in the northen most roundabout in Jomala. Currently I am working on a project called Expedition - an temporary sculpture exhibition, where my goal is to visit all sixteen municipalities on the Aland Islands, one every summer. Because art should be where people are, and live their everyday life.
My artwork is included in the collections of the American Numismatic Society in New York, the British Museum in London, the Art museum of Åland, as well as in private collections.
In 2021, I designed the commemorative coin celebrating 100 years of autonomy for the Aland Islands, commissioned by the Finnish ministry of finance. The British Art Medal Society has sold an edition of my medal 'Still Waiting for You'.
I work from commissions, do collaborations and initiate my own projects.
If you have any questions or are interested in commissioning work, please get in touch via the contact page.
Education
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2013 - 2017 BA (hons) in Fine Art: Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design. Dundee, Scotland.
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2012 - 2013 Certificate of Higher Education in Drama & Performance: Queen Margaret University. Edinburgh, Scotland.
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2010 - 2012 IB Diploma: UWC Red Cross Nordic. Norway.
Grants & Awards
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2025 - Grant, Brändö biblioteks- och kulturnämnd
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2023 - Procjet grant, Ålands Kulturdelegation
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2021 - Evenemangsstöd, Ålands Kulturdelegation
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2020 - Special understöd för enskilda kulturutövare, Ålands kulturdelegation
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2019 - Lärlings Stipendium, Svenska Kulturfonden
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2018 - Travel Grant, Ålands kulturdelegation
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2018 - Travel Grant, Svenska Kulturfonden
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2017 - New Medallist Scheme, British Art Medal Society
Solo exhibitions
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2025-2040 - Expedition - a temporary sculpture exhition, various locations on the Aland Islands
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2022 - Cows, Jomala Library, Aland Islands
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2020 - Cats, Mariehamn's city library, Aland Islands
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2019 - Word to Hand, Jomala Library, Aland Islands
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2013 - Fötter, Galleri Fäktargubben, Aland Islands
Recent group exhibitions
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2025 - Metal exhibition, Galleriet, Aland Islands
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2022 - Freedom, Önningeby
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2022 - Metal, Eckerö post and customs house, Aland Islands
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2022 - Egensinne i stål, the Finnish Institute in Stockholm
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2022 - My blue Åland, Mariehamns bibliotek
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2021 - International Artmedal Federation exhibition, Tokyo
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2021 - Form - a temporary sculpture exhibition, Aland Islands
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2021 - Our way is the Sea, The Maritime Museum, Aland Islands
My workshop in Finstörm
Contact
GET IN TOUCH
For inquiries, collaborations or interest in commissioning any work, please get in touch.
I normally reply within two working days.
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Mariehamn
Aland Islands
Finland
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