Experiments in Concretism

Concretism is an art movement characterised by the use of non-representational forms, structures and geometry. The exhibition at EMMA presents concretist works from different periods, from the very beginning of the movement in the 1950s to the present day. Works from the museum’s own collections are complemented by artworks acquired or commissioned specifically for this show. Many of the works are spatial and seek to activate the viewer’s faculties of perception. In the context of EMMA, concretism finds significant resonance with the industrial and geometric architecture of the WeeGee building designed by Aarno Ruusuvuori.

Experiments in Concretism also celebrates the centenary of the birth of Lars-Gunnar “Nubben” Nordström (1924–2014), a pioneer of Finnish concretism, by showcasing the legacy of his work. The selection of works by Nordström and his contemporaries serves as a time capsule for the roots of concrete art.

The works by Elina Autio were commissioned by the L-G Nordström Foundation for this exhibition and were generously donated to the EMMA Collection.

Artists featured alongside Nordström are Timo Aalto, Martti Aiha, Siim-Tanel Annus, Elina Autio, Stig Baumgartner, Inka Bell, Juhana Blomstedt, Bård Breivik, Birger Carlstedt, Kari Cavén, Lars Christensen, Jacob Dahlgren, Sonia Delaunay, Ann Edholm, Carolus Enckell, Beryl Furman, Kristján Gudmundsson, Jorma Hautala, Erkki Hervo, Mikko Jalavisto, Elina Juopperi, Kaisu Koivisto, Ola Kolehmainen, Matti Koskela, Matti Kujasalo, Muriel Kuoppala, Antti Kytömäki, Leonhard Lapin, Maija Lavonen, Ernst Mether-Borgström, Eila Minkkinen, Sarah Morris, Kasper Muttonen, Pekka Nevalainen, Jussi Niva, Maija Närhinen, Paul Osipow, Kyösti Pärkinen, Ritva Puotila, Mari Rantanen, Silja Rantanen, Louis Reith, Ragna Róbertsdóttir, Pekka Ryynänen, Piila Saksela, Pekka Sassi, Hannu Siren, Sandra Sirp, Airi Snellman-Hänninen, Antti Ukkonen, Raimo Utriainen and Irma Weckman.