about me

My name is Saara Holappa. I was born in 1994 and lived in the countryside in Tyrnävä, Finland for a long time and I currently reside in the city of Oulu by myself. Living by the sea and nature is something that I'm constantly grateful for.

Drawing and comics have been my passions for as long as I can remember. I experiment with different art styles and techniques, making very minimalistic graphic art as well as more detailed paintings and abstract works. I use watercolors, markers, pencils and Clip Studio Paint for digital art and editing, along with a Wacom Intuos tablet. The pieces that are born without planning tend to be my favorites.

I am mostly self-taught, but in addition I have studied visual arts in various places over the years. I attended Oulu Art School weekly for about ten years, making art and comics. After graduating from an art-oriented high school, I studied comic techniques in Liminka School of Arts for two years.

Then I went to study graphic design to Oulu University of Applied Sciences in 2015–2020. I also did exchange art studies in Nagoya Zôkei University, Japan in 2018.

Exhibitions

2 group exhibitions in Nagoya Zôkei University, and one group exhibition in Nagoya Citizens' Gallery Yada, Japan, 2018
Solo exhibition in Kolo Lounge (that has closed its doors), Oulu in 2019, featuring my acrylic painting series "Relationship" and other drawings, mostly pencil works, from 2017-2019
Group exhibition in Valkea's Nurkka Gallery, Oulu, 2023
Colorful solo exhibition in Joo Hetki café (closed), Oulu, 2024
One-day solo exhibition in Hiukkavaaratalo, Oulu as a part of ILON Valkeat fair, 2025
"Mini arts" solo exhibition in Rajakylä Library, Oulu, 2025
"Relationship" solo exhibition in Gallery Oskari Jauhiainen, Kiiminki, 2025

Besides making art, I enjoy vegan food and cooking, exploring new places, singing, taking photos and videos, manga & anime, studying Japanese, spending time in nature and learning about spirituality, health and wellbeing. I have done some intuitive energy healing.