top of page

Terry Laakso – Work History and Artistic Career Artist Memberships and Image Rights in Finland

  • Tampere Art Association – Member

  • Finnish Artists Association – Member

  • Kuvasto – Member (Image rights management in Finland)

  • Artcertificate – International Membership (France/Spain)

  • Artistic Development and Early Years

  • 1974–1976: Participated in an art and crafts club, taught by matrix sculptor Simo Helenius

  • 1981–1983: Watercolour painting, music composition and performance (guitar, drums)

  • 1981–2023: Composed music for non-commercial purposes

  • 1984–1985: Received instruction from still life painter Jan Palmu

  •  

Exhibitions and Artistic Activity in Finland

  • 1985: First solo exhibition in Turku

  • 1985: Artwork for Silja Line (Silvia Regina)

  • 1986: Exhibition at OP Group’s Kultatalo in Turku

  • 1986: Exhibition at KOP Group and insurance company Sampo premises in Turku

  • 1986–1989: Commissioned works in Turku

  • 1987 & 1992: Participated in art exhibitions organized by Silja Line

  • 1989–1992: Contract artist in Turku

  • 1989: Exhibition at Galleria Art Salong in Turku

  • 1990–1992: Commissioned works in Turku

  • 1992: Exhibitions in Helsinki, Hämeenlinna, Jyväskylä, and Turku

  • 1993: Exhibition at Art Salon “8 Chairs” gallery in Turku

  • 1993: Donated the artwork Sunflowers (115 cm x 86 cm) to the official residence of the President of Finland in Mäntyniemi, upon suggestion by former castle bailiff Erkki Ahokas. The artwork was recorded in the presidential office’s fixed asset registry.

  • 1994–1995: Touring exhibition: Tampere, Forssa, Saariselkä, Hämeenlinna, Turku, Sodankylä, Helsinki, Pori, Loimaa, Seinäjoki, Vaasa, Rauma

  • 1996: Exhibition in Huittinen

  • 2001–2003: Commissioned works in Turku

  • 2003: Exhibition at Galleria Gala, opening filmed by MTV

  • 2003–2006: Sponsor for Formula 2 driver Henry Karjalainen in Adac Keke Rosberg’s (F1 World Champion) team

  • 2005: Touring exhibition: Forssa, Kouvola, Pori, Oulu

  • 2007: Permanent exhibition at Galleria Ten Art, Lempäälä

  • 2011: Exhibitions in Turku, Pori, Kaarina, Helsinki, Haikko, Hämeenlinna, Lempäälä, Tampere

  • 2014: Exhibition at Galleria Galilei, Turku

  • 2016: Exhibition at Galleria Julkkis, Rauma

  • 2017–2018: Exhibition at Art Gallery Ideapark

  • 2024: Exhibition at Paradise Nauvo Vineyard, Chateau Nagu

  • 2025: Exhibition at Finnish Artists Association’s Color Harmony event, Cable Factory, Helsinki

🌍 International Activity

Spain:

  • 1993–1996: Paintings in Salobreña, Almuñécar, Granada

  • 1996: International exhibition at Villa Rosa, Salobreña

  • 1996: Honorary member at charity gala for orphans, Granada

  • 2005: Moved to Cómpeta, Málaga

  • 2007: Painter in Almuñécar

  • 2014–2015: Video production with David Morales and Noelia Sabarean

  • 2015: Lead designer for Colombian restaurant, Fuengirola

Mexico:

  • 2003: Moved to Monterrey, Mexico

  • 2009–2010: Painter in Río Verde, San Luis Potosí, Veracruz

🎬 Media Appearances

  • 1989–1990: Featured in Filmituottajat Oy’s TV documentary

  • 2001: MTV – Good Morning Finland

  • 2003: MTV – Documentary in Spain

  • 2004: MTV3 – TV program

  • 2007: YLE – Kotisatama, interviewed by Jaakko Selin

  • 2011: YLE – Radio interview

  • 2011: Local Radio Pori

  • 2014: TV documentary about David Morales for Spanish TV

  • 2014–2015: Worked in video production in Spain with David Morales and Noelia Sabarean, collaborating with renowned flamenco artists

💡 Design and Production

  • 2007: Lead designer for restaurant in Lempäälä

  • 2015: Lead designer for restaurant in Fuengirola

  • 2014: Designed gold jewelry

  • 2014–2015: Video production in Spain for flamenco artists

🎼 Musical Production

  • 1981–2023: Compositions for non-commercial purposes

  • Instruments: guitar, drums, synthesizers, keyboards

  • Music as part of artistic expression and atmosphere in exhibitions

❤️ Charity and Recognition

  • 1996: Honorary member for orphan charity, Granada

  • 2003: Honorary member for children with cancer

  • 2003: Donation to Southern Finland Cancer Association

  • 2014: Artwork in Foreign Minister Timo Soini’s charity auction

  • 2016: Keynote speaker for children’s cancer hospital fundraiser, Lempäälä

📖 Publications and Catalogs

  • 2001: Artwork in Bukowski’s international art sale (hammer price 21,000 FIM)

  • 2018–2023: International art catalogs Spain/France

  • 2023: French art magazine

🖼️ Artistic Activity 2023–2025

2023

  • Participated in international art catalog

  • Interview and feature in French art magazine

2024

  • Exhibition at Paradise Nauvo Vineyard, Chateau Nagu, Finland

2025

  • Exhibition at Finnish Artists Association – Color Harmony, March 25–April 6, 2025, Cable Factory, Helsinki

“Between 2018 and 2022, Terry had to decline dozens of international exhibition projects due to health reasons, particularly heart disease. The decision was difficult but necessary, guiding his work toward a quieter, introspective form of creation and deeper spiritual reflection on the meaning of art and life.”

French Art Magazine
Studio España – Terry Laakso (since 1993)

Spain Period: 1993–1996

Terry Laakso: Art Retrospective (2003)
International Art Catalog 2019
Featured in French Art Magazine (2023)
2018 Art Catalogue
Art Catalogue – 2023 Edition
International Art Catalog 2021
French Art Magazine
Studio Mexico (2003–2010)

Mexico Period: 2003–2006

bottom of page