Erkki Pirtola: Works on Paper

Start date

08.09.2023

End date

04.02.2024

The exhibition to start the autumn season at HAM is an overview of the artistic works of artist, critic and self-made life art expert Erkki Pirtola (1950–2016). The exhibition focuses on Pirtola’s drawings and other paper-based works and is curated by Veikko Halmetoja.

Erkki Pirtola: Soft Yrjö, 1978. © Erkki Pirtola’s estate. Photo: HAM/Viljami Annanolli

The exhibition to start the autumn season at HAM is an overview of the artistic works of artist, critic and self-made life art expert Erkki Pirtola (1950–2016). The exhibition focuses on Pirtola’s drawings and other paper-based works and is curated by Veikko Halmetoja.

Erkki Pirtola (1950–2016) was a diverse visual artist who was also known as a writer and documentarist. Pirtola’s roots lie in the University of Helsinki’s Art Room, where he studied in the early 1970s. By his own admission, drawing was the mode of expression that suited him best. 

The Works on Paper exhibition spans Pirtola’s entire career. The pieces for the exhibition were selected from thousands of works and sketches. In addition to drawings, the exhibition includes other works on paper, such as collages and watercolour paintings. 

The exhibition not only presents an extraordinary drawer but portrays a time of innocence. It presents an artist portrait of sincerity and a deeply human sense of humour, as well as a manic need for self-expression and documenting. 

The exhibition was created in cooperation with Erkki Pirtola’s sons and curated by Veikko Halmetoja. 

In connection with the exhibition, a book by Veli Granö will be published as part of HAM Helsinki Art Museum’s publication series. Erkkilys Pirtomas Suomen taidetta pelastamassa – Erkki Pirtolan värikäs elämä, Kustannusosakeyhtiö Parvs, 2023.  

Erkki Pirtola products in HAM shop

In addition to the book by Veli Granö, the selection includes postcards and a tote bag. The products are available at HAM shop at the museum, as well as online.

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