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Isabella Chydenius


Isabella Chydenius (she/her) is a interdisciplinary artist based in Berlin and Helsinki.
Chydenius graduated from a Master of Fine Art degree at the Michaelis School of Fine Art at the University of Cape Town, in April 2021, and has since located to Berlin after 15 years of living in Paris, London, Cape Town and LA.

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Chydenius practice explores the night and underground nightclub culture as spaces of togetherness, momentary freedom and joy away from the heteropatriarchal square norms of the day. In her artistic research she explores the history of underground nightclubs as sites of resistance and draws attention to how they may serve as a catalyst for change in society through the dialogue between art, artists and socio-political movements. She is interested in the club space as a metaphor and abject, and approaches them as small microcosms within larger society. 

Her recent exhibitions Hide and seek and Notes on creating space; the potential of club corners specifically focus on the potential of darkness in club spaces that aim to be safer spaces.


Her practice combines mediums such as light, video, sound, text, photography, ripped clothes and found objects to create sculptures and immersive installations. Her work has been exhibited in Los Angeles, Tokyo, New York, London, Copenhagen, Munich, Berlin, and Helsinki, and been supported by local and international art grants since 2015.

In 2023 the Stina Krooks Foundation rewarded her continuous artistic dedication with an award, and the Finnland-Institute in Berlin nominated her with the annual Visiting Art/ist Award. In April 2024 she received a 1-year Artist Working Grant by the Swedish Cultural Foundation in Finland, which supports her ongoing research and studio work.

Chydenius is a member of MUU Artists Association, Helsinki International Artists Association, the Helsinki-based contemporary art podcast collective ArtPod, and FLASH; the Finnish Light Art Society - with six selected works to be represented at the Best Light Art in Finland webbank.


For virtual or physical studio visits or any work / exhibition and portfolio inquiries please email isabella.chydenius@gmail.com or contact her on instagram:
@isabellachydenius