Leena Luostarinen – Misfit
For the first time, HAM presents Leena Luostarinen’s golden period works from its collection as a single display. Resting wild cats, references to various cultures, and personal messages permeate her large-scale, vibrantly coloured pieces.
leena luostarinen: night leopard ii, 1981–1982. photo: ham/sonja hyytiäinen
Leena Luostarinen (1949–2013) ranks among Finland’s most distinguished painters, who left an indelible mark on the Finnish art world. Now presented together for the first time, the exhibitionbrings together Luostarinen’s monumental paintings from HAM’s collection, dating from what is considered her creative peak in the 1980s and 1990s.
Luostarinen made her breakthrough in 1981 with a solo exhibition of large-scale feline predators. She soon became known for powerful paintings that visibly bear the marks of their making – from palette-knife traces to vigorous brushstrokes. In 1988, she was named Finland’s Artist of the Year
Despite the acclaim she received, she often felt like an outsider, sensing that she neither belonged nor could conform. She travelled widely, driven by a longing for distant places. Drawing on influences from many cultures, she developed a compelling, recognisable style that resists categorisation. The exhibition architecture draws its colour scheme from Luostarinen’s paintings, while subtly mimicking the symmetrical floor plan of an imaginary temple. Feline creatures guide the visitors through the exhibition, which is arranged neither chronologically nor thematically.
The exhibition coincides with the publication of a new book about Leena Luostarinen’s art, published in collaboration with Parvs. The publication delves deeper into the themes explored in the exhibition and examines Luostarinen’s lasting significance as a figure who reshaped Finnish painting.
The exhibition is complemented by loans from private and public collections.
The exhibition, radiating the power of bold brushstrokes, is curated by HAM’s Satu Metsola and Vilma Roine.
The exhibition architecture is designed by Aalto+Aalto.
Intro guidance
Get to know the highlights of the exhibition! The intro takes place in the HAM auditorium, after which you can tour the exhibition at your own pace. Price: 8 euros. Language: Finnish.
For groups
Are you planning a museum visit with friends, colleagues or family? HAM’s private tours and workshops enrich your art experience and allow you to enjoy quality time together.
Events
- Art workshop
- Paid
Short course in oil painting A
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- Free
Free Friday
11:00 – 19:00
- Guided tour
- Paid
Intro guidance of Leena Luostarinen: Misfit exhibition
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Audio guides
Immerse yourself in the exhibition through moods, ancient symbols and personal memories.
The audio guide texts feature both references to past conversations with Leena Luostarinen, and painters’ subtle interpretations of her works.
Online collections
Finna is home to millions of items of cultural and scientific material in Finland. Through the search service, you can already find over 1,400 works from the collections of HAM Helsinki Art Museum.
Click the link to explore all the works by Leena Luostarinen that belong to HAM’s collections.
