ANDRA SARENIUS

Multidiciplinary artist & art educator

MA Art & Media, Aalto University School of Art and Design

ABOUT

Andra Sarenius is a multidisciplinary artist and licensed art educator based in Helsinki. Their creative practice spans mask-making, video art, painting, drawing, and chainmaille, exploring the complexities of the human psyche and its interplay with individual and collective consciousness. Through their art, Sarenius crafts worlds where realities diverge, yet intersect through themes of time, growth, and the visceral overtaking the physical. These colliding realities usually depict experiences and sensations stemming from neurodivergent masking and alienation of the human experience, seeking to understand and to be understood.

In their teaching, Sarenius integrates intersectional queer feminist and neuroqueer perspectives, fostering inclusive and empowering environments.
Their work emphasizes advancing Critical Disability Studies (CDS) and neuroqueer methodologies within Art Education. Committed to bridging theory and practice, they develop tools to help Art Educators incorporate CDS principles effectively. Previously, Sarenius viewed their interests in art education and personal creative pursuits as separate domains. However, they now actively intertwine these identities through neuroqueer efforts, exploring themes of neurodivergent masking and imposed neuronormativity. This synthesis fuels both their artistic practice and teaching, providing a richer perspective and deeper purpose, on both individual and collective levels.

Conctact:
andrasarenius@gmail.com