tavattujen

Tavattujen is a contemporary Finnish music and visual art collective formed in 2015 in Helsinki. The group originated as a collaborative project between singer-songwriter Aino Kukkonen, visual artist Mikko Virtanen, and producer Jari Jokinen. The name “Tavattujen” derives from the Finnish word for “the tattooed”, a reference to the artists’ early fascination with body art symbolism, and the collective’s emphasis on personal storytelling through lyrical and visual media.

Tavattujen’s musical output blends indie folk, electronic pop, and ambient soundscapes. Their debut EP, Aine, released in 2016, earned critical attention for its understated production and lyrical focus on identity and belonging. In 2018 the collective expanded to a full-length album Nainen, which explored themes of memory and cultural memory, and was reviewed by major Finnish outlets such as Helsingin Sanomat and MTV Uutiset for its experimental approach to songwriting.

In addition to recorded music, the group is known for site-specific installations that incorporate live performance, tattoo motifs, and light projections. A prominent project, Veikalattia, premiered in 2020 at the Kiasma museum and involved interactive murals created by community members. The collective has collaborated with other Finnish artists, including the dance group Noumat, and has contributed to the 2021 national digital art exhibition Kultahankinta.

Tavattujen regularly performs at festivals across Scandinavia, including the Uusikaupunki Music Festival and Berlin's Templon. Their current activity focuses on a planned third studio album and a touring schedule across Nordic countries.