Turun Sanomat by Alvar Aalto 1928-1929. Photo: Alvar Aalto Museum.

Alvar Aalto Museum, Design Museum, HAM Helsinki Art Museum, Museum of Finnish Architecture and The Finnish Museum of Photography are joining forces to celebrate Finland’s centennial year with a major shared exhibition project. The Modern life! exhibition portrays Finnish modernism and its national and international success stories from 1917 to 1968. The exhibition opens in March 2017.

Modern life! unveils the modernist movement’s strong belief in the future, as well as an excitement over scientific and technological advancements. In art, design and architecture alike, the past was dismissed to make space for new forms of expression.

Modernist architects and designers set out to build the world of today and of the future with the ideals of enhancing everyday life and purposefulness. At the same time, artists of the time led Finnish visual arts onto more abstract paths. Appearances at world’s fairs and success in international architectural competitions brought fame and glory to the young nation.

The exhibition portrays the work of designers and artists such as Alvar and Aino Aalto, Emmi Fock, Vilho Setälä, Tapio Wirkkala, Kaj Franck, Eliel Saarinen, Viljo Revell and Timo Sarpaneva,Laila Pullinen and Eila Hiltunen, Wäinö Aaltonen, Vuokko Nurmesniemi, Anitra Lucander, Aarno Ruusuvuori, Sam Vanni and Unto Pusa.

The exhibition combines architecture, design, photography and visual arts in a new and surprising way. The exhibition is organised at the Tennis Palace exhibition spaces of HAM Helsinki Art Museum. All of the contributing museums will additionally host their own exhibitions taking an in-depth look at the modernist theme.

Modern life! exhibition is part of the programme of the Finland 100 celebratory year.

More information:
Annukka Pakarinen
Communications, Alvar Aalto Foundation
annukka.pakarinen(at)alvaraalto.fi
tel. +358 (0)50 381 0143