Stefan Bremer – Helsinki by Night

What happens in Helsinki when night falls? Stefan Bremer's photographs capture the rhythm of the city, dreamlike landscapes and diverse youth cultures. His images offer intimate and powerful glimpses of a time when city streets, concert venues and clubs were transformed into stages for the self-expression of a new generation. In the Helsinki by Night exhibition at Villa Hakasalmi, visitors can see the strikingly expressive artistic approach characteristic of Bremer's early career

Alongside the quiet streets, gateways and urban images, the exhibition at Villa Hakasalmi showcases Helsinki's vibrant youth cultures: the rockabillies at the Central Railway Station, the Teddy Boys who idolised James Dean, the punks of Lepakko and the new romantics of the city’s clubs. Bremer's portraits capture the intensity of human connection and a pursuit of authenticity.

A distinct part of the exhibition features energetic concert photographs of up-and-coming rock bands of the era. The exhibition features bands such as Hanoi Rocks, Sielun Veljet, Smack, Pelle Miljoona and Dead Kennedys. Some of the gig shots were hand-coloured and ended up as album covers for LPs.

Stefan Bremer (b. 1953) is a central figure in Finnish photography. Villa Hakasalmi also features iconic works from his legendary series Helsinki By Night (1983), Creatures of the Night (1984–86) and Valokuva on Rock (1982).

In conjunction with the opening of the exhibition, Parvs Publishing House will release the Helsinki by Night photo book. In addition to Bremer, the book has been written by Kjell Westö and Rosa Liksom. The book will be for sale in Villa Hakasalmi's museum shop.

The exhibition has been curated by Stefan Bremer and Asko Mäkelä. It has been produced by Jari Harju and designed by Osmo Leppälä.