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We’re back to continue our virtual tour
through Finland. Up next is the Wäinö Aaltonen Museum in Turku, on the southwest
coast of Finland. Dedicated to the incredibly prolific 20th century
Finnish sculptor, this museum has been open and presenting exciting works to
its visitors for close to 50 years!
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| via Flickr by Joni-Pekka Luomala |
Born in the town of Karinainen in
1894, Wäinö Aaltonen became deaf as a child and became interested in art soon
after. At the age of 16, he began studying at the School of Drawing in Turku. A
trip to Italy in the early 1920’s exposed Aaltonen to cubist and futurist art –
these artistic influences can be seen most clearly in his paintings. However,
his work as a sculptor is what truly launched Aaltonen’s career as a prominent
national figure and artist.
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| via WAM |
The Wäinö Aaltonen Museum officially opened
on September 17, 1967. Prior to its opening Aaltonen signed an agreement
donating a significant collection of his work to the museum. While Irma and
Matti Aaltonen created the building drawings, Wäinö was also actively involved
in the design. The design of the exhibition rooms are “clean and well lit;
natural light is generously provided through wide windows and numerous
skylights.” This sounds like a truly fabulous setting dedicated to the viewing
and appreciation of art!
It’s very clear that WAM is committed to
presenting “new and experimental art projects,” as well as a number of cultural
events, concerts, lectures and themed days for families. Beginning in the
spring of 2015 they will be presenting a regular concert series! Their current
exhibitions also sound pretty fabulous; the sound | image | experience takes a look at how image and sound work together and the experiences that they
evoke, and the Atelieri O. Haapala/Time Travel exhibit presents a visual
history of the past hundred years by two photographers. And of course, the vast
collection of Aaltonen’s would be absolutely incredible to witness in person as
well!
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| Photo: WAM / image archives |
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| Photo: Aarne Pietinen, WAM / image archive |
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| Detail of Wäinö Aaltonen's Self-Portrait, ca. 1926. Photo: Raakkel Närhi / WAM |
Have
you visited the Wäinö Aaltonen Museum? We’d really love to hear about your
experience - tell us about it in the comments below!
