Aapo Kukko is the Visual Artist of the Year for Oulunsalo Soi

Oulu-based comic artist, illustrator, and scriptwriter Aapo Kukko has been selected as the Visual Artist of the Year for the Oulunsalo Soi Chamber Music Festival. As in previous years, the festival's visual identity is based on the work of the chosen artist. The title is awarded in collaboration with the Oulu Comics Center.

Kukko's exhibition, Punainen Beethoven (Red Beethoven), is part of the festival's programme and will be on display at the Oulunsalo Library 7/8–26/9/2025. He will also participate in one of the festival concerts by creating live illustrations.

Kukko is known for his historical narratives with strong factual foundations. The exhibition at Oulunsalo Library is based on his upcoming graphic novel Punainen Beethoven, set for release in fall 2026. The novel explores the life of Soviet composer Dmitri Shostakovich over several decades.

“I am grateful for this honour. The combination of drawn images and music, especially classical music, is captivating. They support each other on the roads of art in this windy world. Through Shostakovich’s music, I have found new creative energy for my own artistic work,” Kukko says.

Since 2008, Kukko has created more than a dozen graphic works, either independently, with scriptwriters, or as part of a team. His comics and illustrations have been published in Kaltio, Ilta-Sanomat, Kaleva, and posters for the IIK!! Horror Film Festival. He has also led comic workshops in schools across the Oulu region for several years.

Oulunsalo Soi Chamber Music Festival will take place 6.–10.2025 in the Oulu area as part of Oulu August Festivals. The festival program will be announced on 6 May.

Photo: Hanna Kukko