Portraiture has a long tradition of depicting important and respected individuals. Kings, queens, leaders and other prominent members of their communities have been given a place in portraiture. Tatu Vuolteenaho wants to give this place to queer witches as well - people whose worldview encompasses spirituality, energy, the soul, and questions of life and death. Making these experiences and perspectives visible is a way of affirming that the spirituality of queer communities has value and significance that can speak to us all.
In many ancient and shamanic cultures, queer, trans and intersex people, as well as those who have lived outside gender norms, have been respected. They have often served, for example, as spiritual leaders, healers and teachers.
Through this project, Vuolteenaho seeks to bring queer identity and spirituality back into the same context. The artistic process begins with photography, which later becomes the basis for paintings. To deepen the connection between the artworks and the lived experiences of the models, Vuolteenaho also participates with them in workshops, rituals and healing ceremonies. In this way, lived experiences and a kind of "magic" become part of the artworks.
30 acrylic paintings were made in the 1st series in size 80 x 100cm. 31 paintings of the 2nd series have been made in size 50 x 50cm. Aim is to exhibit in many countries and produce a book when 100 portraits have been completed.
Jani Maunula designed Eye-Leen fabric in 2022 and silk and cotton were produced. The print is based on Tatu Vuolteenaho's Eye-Leen self portraits. Installations and products from this fabric were shown in Madrid, Tallinn, Hämeenlinna, Espoo, Bristol and Ylivieska.
House of Disappointments have made outfits from Eye-Leen print. They walked the Kiasma's Queer Art Superstar Ball and performed in Espoo and Hämeenlinna.
Jani Maunula designed Queer Witches fabric in 2026 and cotton poplin was produced. The print is based on 30 of the first Tatu's Queer Witches portraits. Queer Witch Mother Installation was shown in Bristol and Ylivieska. Julian Smith designed and made a dress for Tatu from this QW fabric.
QW art project aims to sell the works and part of the profits go to help our less fortunate LGBT+ friends. A gay refugee from Uganda Geoffrey Rainbo has inspired us to include this aspect into the project.
Art Lectures
Tatu Vuolteenaho is giving art talks called "Drag Queens, Aliens and Queer Witches". They are about Tatu's colourful queer party history and why the QW art project seems like a good idea now. Tatu can give the lectures in Finnish, English or in Spanish.
See the London lecture from The Glory on Youtube
Press
An article in Kalajokilaakso from an exhibition and drag makeup workshop in Ylivieska in August 2026
An article in Hämeen Sanomat from an exhibition in Hämeenlinna in September 2025
An article in Voima from an exhibition in Madrid in Spring 2023
