MEET THE ARTIST: MARIA YLIKOSKI

Invisible Ester is a long-term artistic project by visual artist Maria Ylikoski, in which she constructs a portrait of her aunt, Ester Markkola (1920–2010). From 1952 to 1986, Ester worked in the service of President Urho Kekkonen, overseeing the presidential couple’s wardrobe, private quarters, and the smooth running of everyday life.

Communication and at the School of Photography and Film in Gothenburg, Sweden. She received her Master of Fine Arts degree from the Academy of Fine Arts in Helsinki in 2011.

Ylikoski’s work explores themes of memory and personal history, often through the medium of video portraiture. Photography frequently serves as the starting point for her artistic process, although her works also take the form of installations and moving-image pieces. Since 1995, her work has been exhibited in Finland and internationally. Works from the Invisible Ester project have been presented at Hippolyte Photography Gallery, Galleria Huuto, Photographic Centre Nykyaika, Studio Laikku at Tampere Cultural Centre, and the Kovelahti Village House. Ylikoski is currently working on an artist’s book based on the project material.

Website: https://www.mariaylikoski.com