I admit I have a presumption that the Finnish art scene and artists do not get much notice in other countries. I am guessing that many of us recognize names like Kahlo, Dali, Picasso, and Munch even though not having a spectacular art interest.
No Finnish artist has this kind of mighty name in the world art. However, we have so much to offer whether you are a hardcore art fan, have a casual interest in the topic or are dragged involuntarily to museums.
Personally, I love the Golden Age of Finnish art, which happened z. 1870-1920. This time was an era of nationalism ideas with symbolism and realistic-naturalistic approach.
Artists created Finnish nature and people inspired paintings, expressing both everyday and difficult subjects that were not talked in public. Many artists show a remarkable variety, developing their signature style.
To me, each painting has a story behind it – a hidden agenda, sometimes funny, sometimes serious. Children were a popular subject of the time, so I’ll do a small alternative art tour with the little ones. Below, my alternative titles for a couple of my favorites from the Golden Age.
Varpu’s tour of famous Finnish artists and their work
“That peaceful moment before your mum found you wrapped in toilet paper.”
The big audience knows this painting as Convalescent, painted in 1888, by Helene Schjerbeck (1862-1946).
“A weekend in the summer cottage without wifi.”
Most people know this one as Reclining Boy (1892) by Magnus Enckell (1870-1925).
“Sunbathing with foil.”
Untitled portrait of a sleeping child by Maria Wiik (1853-1928).
“A realization you are seriously not getting enough pocket money for your chores.”
One of the most famous paintings of this era. Burning the Brushwood (1893) by Eero Järnefelt (1863-1937).
“What having children is like, in an imaginary world.”
This beautiful painting from 1881 is by Albert Edelfelt (1854-1905), titled as Good Friends.
Dear reader, do you want to see more of unconventional Finnish art discussion on my blog?
Hello there!
I’m Varpu. One blonde,
travel-loving,
Finnish engineer driving this site.
Hello Varpu! Thank you for sharing these beautiful paintings and I love your titles! My grandparents were from Finland and I was born and raised in Montana, USA. Artistic inclinations seem to run in my family, my mother painted in oils and makes quilts, my father was a carpenter, both of my sisters have painted and my youngest daughter and I are both professional artists. But it isn’t easy being an artist in rural Montana either. I find there is more appreciation for the arts in the larger cities. I hope to visit Finland someday and experience my wonderful heritage in person.
Hei Kathleen!! So great to hear your story! I feel it’s the same way here in Finland: the arts are more appreciated in the larger cities. I hope you’ll visit Finland, I’m sure you’d love it here. <3
Hei !, Nice post, I´m from Chile and the first visit to museo was a big woww in my mind, now I´m currently living in Finland, It would be nice to read more posts like this !
Cota
Hello! Thank you for a lovely comment. I think art stays on the topic list! 🙂
Loved today’s blog. My father was born in Finland, raised in Canada, and he was an artist. So naturally, I grew up assuming that the font of all creativity was Finland, and if I had any artistic gift it was naturally because of my Finnish blood. I think the average Canadian thinks of Marimekko when they think of Finland, if they think of Finland at all.
Hi! Thank you so much for sharing this. <3