Textile artist Juha Vehmaanperä received the Taito-Finlandia award

The work of textile artist and knitwear designer Juha Vehmaanperä emphasizes slow fashion, queer theory, and craftsmanship. Their projects combine traditional craft techniques with modern approaches and technologies. 

"I am thrilled to have been chosen as the award winner and really did not expect this. In my work, I want to emphasize the dialogue between art and craft. Crafts are a way to influence your own environment, a freedom to tell stories and think. Crafts are also about community, togetherness, and above all, culture. I am grateful to be able to share the joy of crafts", says the designer.

Vehmaanperä's work is characterized by community spirit, promoting DIY culture, and renewing traditions. In their opinion, handicrafts do not have to follow traditions or certain patterns; the most important thing is the freedom to express oneself as one is. The textile artist also advocates for manual skills and working together. 

This year's Taito-Finlandia winner was selected by photographer Janita Autio.

“I have chosen as the winner of Taito-Finlandia an artist who dares to do things in their own, flamboyant way. The bold and original style inspires me; it embodies a freedom and attitude that I would like to see more of in Finland. Vehmaanperä is a true boundary breaker, and that is exactly what we need: the courage to be boldly ourselves", says Autio.

Vehmaanperä graduated with a Master of Arts degree from Aalto University's Fashion, Clothing and Textile Design program and has worked as a teacher at Aalto University and several other art and design schools. Vehmaanperä was named Young Designer of the Year in 2022.

Textile artist Vehmaanperä's work has received widespread international attention: their works have been exhibited at the Hyères Fashion Festival in France, Dutch Design Week, Pitti Filati in Italy, New York Textile Month, and several other major design and art exhibitions in Europe. Vehmaanperä has also worked as an intern in the knitwear team at Acne Studios in Stockholm, Sweden.

Vehmaanperä's first large-scale solo exhibition will open at the Museum of Architecture and Design in Helsinki next February. Their work will also be featured in the Oulu Art Museum's international exhibition Tomorrow's Wardrobe, which opens in May 2026.

Taito-Finlandia is an annual award recognizing excellence in the field of handicrafts and applied arts. The winner receives a cash prize of €5,000. The award aims to highlight significant contributors and developments in the field of handicrafts and applied arts, as well as to increase awareness and appreciation of the field.