Pulsating paintings cover every wall In Malaika Mollel's studio in Vallila, Helsinki - strong female figures in bold colour worlds that tell stories of identity, roots and courage. It took a pandemic before Malaika found her calling as an artist, but when it happened, it happened fast. Today her art has grown into something far greater than she ever dared to dream.
Malaika Mollel has roots in both Finland and northern Tanzania, and the fusion of two cultures is clearly visible in her work. The strong, bold colours come from Tanzania, a heritage that feels important. Her paintings revolve around identity, womanhood and cultural heritage, and art is for her a holistic way of being: she paints and designs clothes and accessories inspired by her works.
Painting took off properly during the coronavirus pandemic. It began with a decision that has proven more significant than she could have imagined, painting brown female figures.
– When I was young, there wasn't much representation that looked like me, says Malaika. With the first brown female figure I painted, I had a kind of love-hate relationship. But I kept going, and kept going, and suddenly a whole series had come into being.
Since then she hasn't wanted to let go of her brown girls, but she also doesn't want to be reduced to just that. Her art is more than a statement, it is an expression of herself as a whole.
She describes her painting process as intuitive. She thinks for a long time, but once inspiration finally strikes, it moves quickly. She sketches out a base and then lets the colours come spontaneously, often unexpected combinations that somehow always work. Sometimes she paints over a piece and starts again, and often something even more magical emerges from it.
– I'm self-taught and I have a strong sense of colour. I don't plan the colour world, it happens in the moment.
One of her greatest sources of inspiration is Australian artist Jai Vasicek, known for his dreamy female figures. But Malaika also draws inspiration from nature, flea markets and the cultural heritage she carries within her.
What began as paintings has now grown into something more. Malaika has had her works printed on fabric and created a collection of clothes and jewellery, some sewn by her mother, some by herself. The idea is that the art gets to live on in new forms, like a lucky charm you can bring into everyday life. It is important to her that everything is made locally and with love.
The future holds big dreams: to paint even larger surfaces, and one day to show her work in Tanzania as well.
– With my art I want to encourage people to express themselves and not to stress too much over what others think. There is no point waiting until you are ready, because the perfect moment never comes. Don't be afraid of mistakes, they are the best teachers! Every project can lead to new opportunities. Dare to go big with your art and dare to be seen!
During the Konstrundan weekend, Malaika opens the doors to her studio. There will be music, tea and the chance to experience the art up close.
– Everyone is welcome. I look forward to wonderful encounters and the new possibilities they might bring.