Agent Pekka Launches In Amsterdam With An Art Exhibition

Agent Pekka, the Helsinki-based creative consultancy specialised in commercial artist management, is launching its first continental Europe office in Amsterdam. The niche talent agency will be opening its doors to Amsterdam’s creative crowd from 4 May, with an exhibition of key illustrators. Made in collaboration with 25 artists, the exhibition 'PEKKA IS HERE' goes on show at GUNS & BUTTER Gallery in the heart of Amsterdam.

 

Established in 2007, Agent Pekka is a creative consultancy dedicated to illustration, design, art direction, CGI and moving image. The agency works globally to connect creative talent with clients seeking original and contemporary commercial artists. Brands include Absolut Vodka, Citroen, United Airlines, Tropicana, Eurostar, MTV Networks, Adidas, Adobe, Sony, Warner Music, and Nike.

 

For the launch of the Amsterdam office, Agent Pekka will present a series of unique artworks specially made for the occasion, sold on the opening night, from an impressive line-up of Agent Pekka creatives – a few illustrators will be present at the opening.

 

Pablo Steffa, co-founder of Agent Pekka says: "The interesting mix of international and local advertising agencies, the presence of strong global brands and the appreciation the Dutch have for good design, are all reasons why we chose Amsterdam as the city for our first office abroad. Ultimately, however, it was finding the perfect candidate for heading the new office that sealed the deal for us. I am confident and excited to see how our roster of talent will inspire the local creatives."

 

The Amsterdam office will be headed up by Caroline Svensson. A native of Sweden, Caroline has spent many years in Amsterdam as an Art Producer at both Wieden+Kennedy and 180 Amsterdam. Clients included Adidas, Nokia, Coca Cola, Honda, Nike, and Electronic Arts.

 

Anchored in the Amsterdam creative and artistic scene, she says of her new role: "For several years now I’ve had my eye on Agent Pekka’s roster of talented illustrators and the great work they produce, so it’s an exciting opportunity for me to have the chance to promote their work here in the Netherlands." 

 

The exhibition at GUNS & BUTTER Gallery will feature works by Vincent Bakkum, Emil Bertell, Jamie Cullen, Owen Gatley, Minni Havas, Eero Johannes, Inka Järvinen, Eili-Kaija Kuusniemi, Linda Linko, Sac Magique, Sanna Mander, Santtu Mustonen, Rami Niemi, Lotta Nieminen, Mike Perry, Pietari Posti, Janine Rewell, Miika Saksi, Sami Saramäki, Ville Savimaa, Antti Uotila and Holly Wales. 

 

Amsterdam-based illustrator, Santtu Mustonen, says: "Over the past few years I have whistled and cycled through many of Amsterdam's alleys and streets. Though I have discovered much of the city, my days are often enriched by the unexpected curiosities and gloomy masterpieces that I encounter. I am glad that we are going to be among these. "

 

In addition to work by best-of-breed illustrators, Agent Pekka’s exhibition will also feature creations by multi-awarded creative agency Kokoro & Moi, the D&AD award-winning design studio Musuta and the freshly established creative agency Tsto.

 

 

 

The exhibition includes the following artists:

·           Janine Rewell – Finnish / http://www.janinerewell.com

 Illustrator and graphic designer, Janine’s inspiration comes from surrealist painters, children's books, toys, bright colours and geometry in nature. Janine's designs are an enchanting mix of Scandinavian design and Slavic folk art.

 

·           Rami Niemi – Finnish / http://www.raminiemi.com

Illustrator since 2002, Rami creates vector-based drawings that are rich in details and stories. In his spare time, Rami enjoys sculpting and his diverse inspirations include various blogs and other people's record collections.

 

·           Santtu Mustonen - Finnish / http://www.santtumustonen.com

Industrial designer Santtu is interested in 3D techniques. He now creates animated computer-generated illustrations, which he refers to as ‘slightly moving images’.

 

·           Kokoro & Moi - Finnish / http://www.kokoromoi.com

Creative agency Kokoro & Moi delivers progressive concepts on brand identity, art direction and design. The agency creates authentic and innovative strategies and crafts unique and intelligent design solutions for print, digital, products and environments. Founded in 2001 by designers Teemu Suviala and Antti Hinkula, they have a penchant for the curious and the extraordinary.

 

·    Lotta Nieminen - Finnish / http://www.lottanieminen.com

Illustrator and graphic designer, Lotta, enjoys playing with colours and patterns – she is inspired by everything but the colour black. While Lotta’s style is geometric, it is at the same time abundant in elements and details.

 

·    Mike Perry - US /http://www.mikeperrystudio.com

Designer and artist, Mike works with a variety of mediums: books, magazines, newspapers, clothing, drawing, painting, and illustration. He is compelled by the ways in which the hand-drawn informs and deepens contemporary visual culture. He has also published extensively and internationally.