Step into the Heart of Oulu’s Happiness.
What makes you happy? When this question was asked in Oulu, one theme stood out above the rest: shared moments with family, friends, and loved ones. Small, everyday situations where people are truly present – without hurry, without demands. Oulu-based artist Tiina Makkonen / Mimosa.pop interprets these moments in the Abstract Sensory Journey art experience, curated by Original Sokos Hotel Arina and KaikuArt.
Do you grasp happiness when it’s offered? Do you take someone’s hand when invited on an adventure? Do you respond to a warm hug? Mimosa.pop’s works pause at the essence of togetherness: the summer laughter of friends, the shared silence between parent and child, play, safety, and closeness. Moments that often pass unnoticed, yet form the foundation of happiness. Some of the works also remind the viewer that each person is responsible for their own happiness and their own moments of joy.
Mimosa.pop’s Art – “The Mimosas”
Mimosa.pop’s art is colorful, cheerful, and gently thought‑provoking. It draws inspiration from small moments of everyday life – moments that often slip by unnoticed, yet pausing for them always feels good and reminds us of the truly important things.
All pieces in the Mimosa.pop exhibition are created using recycled frames. The frames carry their own histories and give new life to memories that are both universal and personal. Recycling is an essential part of the message: something valuable doesn’t always need to be created from scratch – it can also be seen in a new light.
The works are hand‑painted (acrylic on wood), unique, and created in recycled frames. Strong yet soft colors, playful shapes, and a recognizable style form compositions that feel both light and meaningful.
Mimosa.pop’s art is made for ordinary people and ordinary homes. It doesn’t require large walls, white galleries, or knowledge of art history. The themes are familiar and easy to relate to: small everyday joys, moments of peace, and feel‑good memories that connect easily to one’s own life.
The “Mimosas” are representational just enough, yet leave space for the viewer’s own thoughts and interpretations. They don’t tell the whole story – instead, they invite you to pause and find something personal within the artwork.
The Artist Behind Mimosa.pop
Mimosa.pop is a brand created by Oulu-based artist Tiina Makkonen. A self‑taught artist and former IT account manager, Tiina found her means of expression when life paused for a moment through becoming a mother and facing a serious illness.
Painting first became a lifeline, then a passion, and eventually a profession. In spring 2025, Mimosa.pop was born, and since then the artworks have found their way to retailers – and most importantly, into people’s homes.
The wish is simple:
that every Mimosa brings a small spark of joy to everyday life, prompting a moment of pause and reminding us of what truly matters.
How to Experience the Abstract Sensory Journey
Welcome to the Abstract Sensory Journey at Original Sokos Hotel Arina, in the heart of Oulu! The art experience consists of seven sensory points placed stylishly around different parts of the hotel. At each point, you can immerse yourself in the atmosphere and experience the art through different senses. The Abstract Sensory Journey can be explored independently between 11:00 and 20:00.
You can pick up the journey materials from our reception and embark on a self‑guided adventure that takes you through the seven sensory into the heart of Oulu’s happiness!
Please note: One of the sensory points is the art hotel room “Ode to Maritime Oulu”. It is included in the journey during open‑house days in 2026 on even‑numbered weeks on Sundays between 16:00 and 18:00.
