Mikkelin taidemuseo

of these compassion-inducing little people were born
back in 2003. Since then, they have followed the artist
throughout his career. Some of the small people have
also grown into giant versions, of which the most famous
is the Bad Bad Boy, situated since 2015 in Jätkäsaari,
Helsinki.
29.9.–5.11.
JOEL LEHTONEN AND HIS ARTIST FRIENDS
The exhibition sheds light on the writer Joel Lehtonen’s
(1881–1934) relationship with the art and artists of his
time. Known as a poetic depictor of nature, Lehtonen
painted the Finnish and continental landscape with
words, his friends with colours. The artists, who belonged
to the Septem and November Groups, are close to
Lehtonen’s mindset and his style as a writer. The exhibition
includes paintings by Ilmari Aalto, Anton Lindforss, Eero
Nelimarkka, Jalmari Ruokokoski, Mikko Oinonen and Juho
Rissanen, among others.
The fine art critic Veikko Halmetoja and art coordinator,
Master of Fine Arts Riitta Moisander were the curators of
the exhibition.
18.11.2017–4.2.2018 ECHOES FROM THE FOREST
The forest is a part of the Finnish identity and experience
of the world. The Finns have turned to the forest for both
material gains and spiritual values. In mental imagery, the
forest stretches as far as the eye can see, and its roots
reach deep. In visual art, the forest is seen as a mental
landscape – mirroring the change in identities and the
societal and cultural atmosphere.
In the Echoes from the forest exhibition, children and
adolescents, along with modern-day artists, examine
the multidimensional meanings of the forest. Among
others, the artists Susanna Autio, Essi Korva, Hanna Räty,
Kirsimaria E.Törönen-Ripatti and Kimmo Ylönen were in
charge of the visual content of the exhibition, together
with the students who participated in the art museum’s
workshops for children and adolescents.
Talk about art – introductory speeches in the art museum
during the spring 2017: 1 February, 8 March, 5 April and 3
May, from 5.30 pm to 7 pm (in Finnish).
18