Art - Page 2 of 9 - thisisFINLAND

How Finland’s Moomins moved from beloved books to coveted mugs

The first Moomin book, in 1945, introduced a cast of characters that gained international fame. We talk to the designer behind one of the most unusual Moomin success stories: the mugs that you can find in almost every Finnish household. They’re so popular that someone even wrote a master’s thesis about them.

Arts & culture Visual arts

New audiences continue to find Finland’s number one painter, Helene Schjerfbeck

Early in 2020, record-breaking attendance at Helsinki’s Ateneum Art Museum and the release of a feature film signalled that artist Helene Schjerfbeck is getting much-deserved attention from audiences of all ages. We talk with actor Laura Birn and curator Anna-Maria von Bonsdorff.

Arts & culture Webpick

Nordic and international photographers exhibitions on the streets of Helsinki

The Helsinki Photo Festival, from July 7 to September 30, 2020, brings the artistic medium of photography back onto the streets.

Arts & culture Equality

Tom of Finland and IDAHOTB both continue to contribute to pride and acceptance

May 8, 2020 marks the 100th birthday of Tom of Finland (1920–91), often called Finland’s most famous artist globally. Shortly after that anniversary, on May 17, the annual International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOTB) takes place.

Arts & culture Art

Finnish museums step up their online game to meet demand

Unable to invite visitors onto their premises, Finnish museums are taking to their websites and social media to meet the demand for beauty, inspiration and ideas, bringing audiences everything from video art to VR guided tours. Here are some of our favourites.

Arts & culture Art

In Helsinki, Amos Rex showcases the new generation of artists

The triennial Generation 2020 exhibition offers an overview of 15-to-23-year-old artists in Finland. They use a range of media to comment on today’s world.

Arts & culture Visual arts

We’re all in this together: First Helsinki Biennial highlights ties between nature and humans

People who take the 20-minute ferry to the island of Vallisaari in summer 2021 can connect with art and nature at the first-ever Helsinki Biennial. Digital material is on offer if corona-related restrictions or geography prevent you from attending in person.

Arts & culture Webpick

Hometown Helsinki holds special place in choreographer’s heart

Dancer, choreographer and filmmaker Ima Iduozee has gained international acclaim and travelled around the world, but Helsinki is dear to him. (Article includes video clip.)