By accident happened to catch some works in gallery at Espoo. Now that I think more, I do have feeling that I have seen her work before, but never really in such way that it would make bigger impact.
Finnish born artists, who left Finland already when she was less than year old. Diplomat family, living all around, longest time in Mexico. Now Ilona lives and works in USA as far as I know. Exhibitions have happened in Finland in recent times and the woman in gallery mentioned her work being among the best sellers.
QuoteI like to think of myself as a visual storyteller, in search for meaning and purpose. I am of Scandinavian origin and through my Nordic Culture I feel a strong connection to Nature. In today's technologically advanced and globally connected world we have forgotten our purpose and how to connect with our true origin, Nature. This alienation from nature has made humans superficial and interested in only material things, forgetting our true purpose on Earth. In my work I want to bring back a forgotten dialogue with all the living creatures that surround us and give us life.
No name dropping appears anywhere, but I dare to say, especially in some of her works, there is strong resemblance to Mark Ryden. Big headed, lost-in-life kind of figures, some odd symbolism. Many very traditional iconography, including Alice in the wonderland, bible, etc.
Comparing to Ryden's works, there are lots of similarities, but also differences. It also appears that Ilona plays it safe with internet presence (?), since can't find the works that contain more nudity from her website? Obviously nothing outrageous, but you may be able to use imagination and see how works like these, when including more nudity, could stir some polemic.
From following links, you can access to galleries, and from youtube clip see some work on process.
https://www.ilonacutts.comhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1cu7xYO2Dh0
