omakuva

Omakuva is a Finnish term for a self-portrait, a work created by an artist depicting themselves. The concept is used in Finnish art discourse to discuss portraits made by the artist of their own image, and is part of a broader international tradition of self-representation.

Across Western art, self-portraits appeared in medieval and Renaissance contexts but developed as a definite genre in early modern and modern periods. In Finland, self-portraiture became prominent with national romanticism and later modernism, as artists examined identity, self-perception, and the role of the artist in society. Notable Finnish self-portraitists include Helene Schjerfbeck, whose sparse, introspective portraits and subtle handling of color are highly regarded, and Akseli Gallen-Kallela, who produced powerful self-depictions throughout his career.

Media used range from drawing and painting to photography and digital media. Contemporary omakuva frequently uses experimental approaches, performance, or multimedia, exploring aging, gender, and personal or political identity. The practice remains a common means for artists to understand and present themselves to audiences.

In Finland, many omakuvat are held by national and municipal galleries, such as the Finnish National Gallery (Ateneum) in Helsinki, which houses important examples. The term and its works are discussed in art-historical scholarship and in museum education as part of portraiture and self-representation.