Through the halls of the Athenaeum Museum: the most famous and interesting exhibits. Finnish artists Foreign art at the Athenaeum

Fanny (Maria) Churberg born in Finland December 12, 1845 in Vaasa. Finnish landscape artist, one of the greatest masters of her time. Her father Matthias (Matias Churberg) came from a farming family, but was a doctor by profession, and her mother Maria was the daughter of a priest. Fanny was the third child in a family of seven children.Four of her siblings died in early childhood, and so Fanny grew up with two older brothers, Waldemar and Thorsten. When Fanny was twelve years old her mother died and she had to take on most of the responsibility for running the household.She was later sent to a girls' school in Porvoo and returned to Vaasa when she turned 18. INHer father died when she was 20 years old.Fanny looked after him day and night during the last months of his life.After the death of her father, she and her brothers moved to Helsinki, where they lived with their aunt. Fanny had a passion for drawing since childhood, and in 1865 finally began her artistic training in Helsinki with private lessons from Alexander Frosterus-Saltin, Emma Gylden and Adolf Berndt Lindholm ( Alexandra Frosterus-Såltin, Emma Gyldén and Berndt Adolf Lindholm).While continuing her studies in Düsseldorf in Germany, she always returned to Finland for the summer and painted a lot.She was one of the first Finnish artists to go on artistic trips to France in Paris.Although Fanny's work remained largely in the style of the Düsseldorf school of landscape painting, she openly expressed an enthusiasm for depicting primarily the countryside with its dramatic situations, relying on a technique of quick brushwork and modesty of color.Her work differed sharply from the work of her contemporaries, it depended on her own feelings of the subjects, for example, the tense atmosphere before a thunderstorm in an open area or the deep, swampy core of a forest. She perceived all this in her own way, in a Finnish way... I must say, that Fanny’s exhibition works during her time were subject to strong criticism, which, of course, undermined her fortitude and raised doubts; she sometimes lost faith in her talent, but continued to write for herself.

In the forest.

Old Vaasa, Fanny's birthplace.Drawing from 1840. Johan Knutsson Vaasa is a maritime city located in western Finland on the shores of the Gulf of Bothnia. The city is the administrative center of the province of Ostrobothnia , it was in this province that Fanny’s father had an old estate, in which, having grown up, Fanny and her brothers planned to run a farm as a child... But fate decreed otherwise...

Landscape overlooking the river. The painting probably depicts the harvesting and drying of reeds on boulders.

Place on the Rhine The painting was painted while Fanny was studying in Düsseldorf, when a powerful trend in painting from life developed in artistic circles in Germany, when nature began to be considered their teacher. Artists usually went in batches to the southern Rhine....

Landscape with stacks.

Winter rye in stacks.

Spring landscape.

Waterfall.

Weathered rocks overgrown with forest.

Lunar landscape.

Forest (sketch).

Forest (sketch).

Old tree (sketch).

Summer greens.

August.

Autumn landscape.

Evening.

Winter evening.

Winter landscape.

Winter landscape after sunset.

Winter landscape.

Uusimaa.Landscape.

Twilight in the forest.

Scenery.

Lake in the Alps.

Birch trees by the water.

Pine.

In life, she was as lonely as this pine tree of hers... Fanny, despite the fruitful years after her studies in terms of her career as an artist - she left 300 works during this time, still lived a rather short and sad life. After the death of her parents, She remained home and, despite the fact that the elders, the brothers. It was to them, the two elder brothers, that she dedicated her life and the artist’s earnings, not so great, went to their maintenance. The old estate, which had once generated income, went for debts. Fanny became very attached to her brothers, but when she was already 32 years old, one of the brothers married and left, and when Fanny was already 37, the second died of long-term tuberculosis. She drew until she was 35 years old, and then she no longer had the desire to draw, but she remained aware of artistic life. At 37 years old, after the death of her brother, Fanny, who was already not in brilliant health, had neither the desire nor the willpower to live, and a quiet, cold October morning 1882 she left...

Lunar landscape.

Morning mood.

Summer landscape.

Scenery.

Landscape in Lapland.

Still life with vegetables and smoked herring.

Still life

Founded in 1933 in Helsinki. Initially, it united 23 artists of different specialties, by the end of the 1930s - about 45. The first chairman of the society was the architect and interior artist L. E. Kurpatov, from 1934 this post was held by E. A. Buman-Kolomiytseva, from 1935 - Baron R. A. Stackelberg (elected an honorary member in 1936), since 1936 - V. P. Shchepansky. The society held annual exhibitions of its members' work (with cash prizes awarded) and annual charity balls (usually at the Hotel Grand); a mutual aid fund operated, friendly evenings were held, and public reports on art were read. Among the reports read over the years: “Russian Theater over the Last 25 Years” by S. M. Veselov (1935), “Russian Landscape Painters” by V. P. Shchepansky (1936; dedicated to the memory of the artist M. A. Fedorova), “Culture at Home” L. E. Kurpatova (1936), etc. The Society participated in the organization of the annual Day of Russian Culture, celebrated on the birthday of A. S. Pushkin, and in 1937 - in events related to the centenary of the death of the poet. In 1934, it was decided to organize an art workshop, and in the summer they would jointly rent a summer cottage to work on sketches.

Participants in the society’s exhibitions were: M. Akutina-Shuvalova, N. P. Bely, A. P. Blaznov, N. Blinov, E. A. Buman-Kolomiytseva, P. Varlachev, V. A. Weiner, S. M. Veselov , V. I. Voutilainen, E. V. Deters, H. Dippel-Shmakov, S. Dobrovolsky, P. S. Zakharov, S. G. Irmanova, I. M. Karpinsky, I. Krasnostovsky, L. Kratz, L . L. Kuzmin, N. G. Kuzmina, I. Kurkiranta, L. E. Kurpatov, O. Kurpatova, T. Kurto, A. Lindenberg, P. Lomakin, Baroness M. B. Maydel, M. Milova, M. M. von Mingin, V. Mitinin, M.N. Nemilova, M. Pets-Blaznova, L. Platan, G. Presas, Yu. I. Repin, V. I. Repina, M. Romanov, S. Rumbin, V. P. Semenov-Tyan-Shansky, M. A. Fedorova, T. Schwank, V. Shermanova-Brown, M. N. Shilkin, A. L. von Schultz, G. Schumacher, M. N. Shchepanskaya, V. P. Shchepansky.

With the outbreak of hostilities of the USSR against Finland in 1939, the activities of the society ceased and only became active again after the war. In 1945, the society was transformed into the Union of Russian Artists in Finland, whose chairman was I. M. Karpinsky. The following year, this organization became a collective member of the Russian Cultural-Democratic Union, and in 1947 its first exhibition was held at the Harehammer Art Salon.

Hugo Simberg
Haavoittunut enkeli - Wounded Angel
(1903)
The plot of the film takes place against a recognizable historical background: Eleintarha Park (lit. “zoo”) and Töölö Bay in Helsinki. At the beginning of the 20th century, the park was a popular vacation spot for representatives of working professions; it also housed charitable institutions. The road along which the characters move has been preserved today: the procession moves along it towards the then existing school for blind girls and a shelter for the disabled.
The painting depicts two boys carrying an effeminate, blindfolded angel with a bleeding wing on a stretcher. One of the boys looks intently and gloomily directly at the viewer, his gaze expresses either sympathy for the wounded angel, or contempt. The background landscape is deliberately stark and spare, but gives the impression of calm. The non-trivial plot opens up space for a wide range of interpretations. The rough clothes and shoes of the boys, their frowning serious faces are contrasted with the fragile figure of an angel dressed in a light dress, which suggests the confrontation between life and death, the blood on the angel’s wing and the blindfold are a sign of the vulnerability and ephemerality of existence, but the angel holds in his hand a bouquet of snowdrops is a symbol of rebirth and recovery. Life here seems to be very close to death. One of the boys turned to the audience, breaking the hermetic space of the picture, thereby making it clear that issues of life and death were directly related to them. Simberg himself refused to give any interpretation of “The Wounded Angel,” leaving the viewer to draw their own conclusions.
The painting had a huge influence on Finnish culture. References to it are found in many works of high and popular art. The video for the song “Amaranth” by the Finnish metal band Nightwish plays on the motif of “Wounded Angel”.

2.


Albert Edelfelt
Pariisin Luxembourgin puistossa - In the Luxembourg Gardens of Paris.
(1887)

3.

Akseli Gallen-Kallela
Akka ja kissa - Grandma and cat
(1885)
In general, all of Gallen-Kallela’s paintings are masterpieces; he is truly a world-class artist.
This picture was painted in a distinctly naturalistic manner, but, despite all its unadornedness, it is full of compassion and love for the simplest and poorest people.
The painting was acquired by the Turku Art Museum in 1895 and is still located there.
I always have difficulty translating the word akka - both “woman” and “grandmother”.

4.

Here I will show a little taste and add another picture of Helene Schjerfbeck - in Russian we read her name Helena Schjerfbeck.
There are also more famous paintings by Finnish authors, but sometimes they are too gloomy.
And here is a ray of light and warmth.
Painting from 1882, Tanssiaiskengät - Dancing shoes.

Interest in art in developed countries remains relevant at all times!
In Finland, contemporary art continues to develop and attracts many fans with its courage, self-sufficiency and, of course, unique national techniques.
Today, as many years ago, Finnish contemporary art reveals a special connection between Finns and nature. Scandinavian design attracts with its simplicity and natural notes. The theme of interaction between man and all living things that surrounds him still occupies a key place in Finnish contemporary art. Finnish artists, photographers, designers continue to draw inspiration for their work from the truly living and fundamental: man, nature, beauty, music.

The correspondent of the cultural and information portal Finmaa met with the artist Kaarina Helenius, well-known in the circles of Finnish contemporary painting, and tried to find out what and how a modern artist lives in Finland.

Finmaa:— What does contemporary art mean in Finland today?
— I would characterize contemporary art as works made using different, new technical techniques. Old techniques can also be used, but with a new look at old things.

Finmaa:— How in demand is contemporary art, in terms of interest in it from real buyers? Is it possible to earn a living doing this in Finland?
— Contemporary art is in great demand in Finland. Finns are especially interested in the work of young artists. However, there are not many artists in Finland who make a living only from art. Typically, the artist has a professional education and performs other types of work in parallel. For example, I am a graphic designer. I have my own advertising agency and during the day I work in my office. I like to do both, so I enjoy doing both types of work.

Finmaa:— You live and work in the city of Hämeenlinna. In your opinion, is this city, or Finland in general, a good atmosphere for creativity?
— Hämeenlinna is a small city that is conveniently located in relation to other cultural cities in Finland. From here it is easy to get to Helsinki or Tampere. Hämeenlinna is a very calm city, it’s safe to live and easy to get creative. For example, my studio, where I paint my paintings, is located on the territory of former barracks. There is a very quiet and peaceful atmosphere here, beautiful nature and a great place for walking.

Finmaa:— What inspires you in your work? How are the images in your paintings born?
-I am inspired by music, fashion and nature. I create all the pictures in my head, and when I start drawing, I already know what should happen.

Finmaa:— How long does one work take? Are your paintings easy for you or is it really difficult and painstaking work?
— One painting takes approximately 2–4 weeks. I use oil paints, which I apply in strokes to the material. I draw all the images in my head first, a lot of ideas appear. If my work contains human images, then I invite real people and make sketches from life, and then, based on the sketch, I begin to draw a picture. I try to draw the sketch as best as possible, since time is always limited. I work in my studio in the evenings after my day job and on weekends.

Finmaa:— Do you draw life, is this direction more in demand today or is it your self-expression?
— In my works I don’t try to create fashionable pictures or focus on naked people. I always want to show feelings or events. Man is only part of the idea.

Finmaa:— How did you get interested in drawing? Where did you start?
— I have a professional art education. I studied at an art school in the city of Hyvinkää. I also have a background in commerce and graphic design.
I became interested in drawing by accident, at the age of 18. I liked this activity and went to study to become a professional artist. A little later, I realized that I liked this activity and I want to work seriously in this field. After art school, I studied graphic design, which I also really liked. In Finland it is difficult to be just an artist, despite support from the state. This is how my career in the arts began. Later I had my own exhibitions, which took place in different cities of Finland.

Finmaa:— What difficulties does an artist or designer face in their work in Finland?
— In Finland, artists can count on financial support from the state, but this is not enough for a normal life. The economic situation in the country also affects the sale of paintings.

Finmaa:— What are you working on now?
— Now I am drawing pictures for my next exhibition, which will be held in Russia, in the city of St. Petersburg, in May 2016. I am also planning several exhibitions in Finland for 2016 and 2017.

Finmaa:— What else do you like to do in your free time? Do you have a hobby?
— I have almost no free time, but I like to run and sometimes go to the gym.

Finmaa:- Do you like to travel? Did you manage to visit Russia and which city? What did you like and remember?
— The first time I was able to visit Russia was in March 2015. Then I lived in the Finland House on Bolshaya Konyushennaya Street. I really liked this city and I came for the second time, in September. I really like Russian national cuisine. People in St. Petersburg are also very friendly and welcoming. I am very interested in contemporary creativity and design of young Russian artists. There are many design centers, exhibition galleries and fashion stores in St. Petersburg. I don’t speak Russian, I only know a few words, but I would like to learn this language. I haven’t been to other cities in Russia yet, but I’m ready to come to St. Petersburg again and again!

Finmaa:- If you have a dream?
— I really want to continue doing what I love and create new projects. I recently worked on the design of a line of silver jewelry for a Finnish company. The project was very successful and I hope to continue working in this area.

Finmaa, 2016.
Hameenlinna, Finland

Culture and art are the heritage and heritage of every state. “The Land of a Thousand Lakes” is not only a skiing and fishing paradise for travelers and tourists, but also a place for various art critics and simply connoisseurs of creativity. Art, in particular painting, is very developed in Finland. Many art galleries, museums and exhibitions will delight even the most sophisticated connoisseurs of fine art.

Artists from the country of Suomi, who received European education in the nineteenth century, became the main and driving factor that gave impetus to the development of fine art in Finland. Before we begin to get acquainted with representatives of Finnish painting, let’s get acquainted with the work of the “father of Finnish art and painting” Robert Ekman.

Robert Wilhelm Ekman

Born in 1808, the artist in his paintings depicted the life of ordinary Finnish peasants, all the hardships of their lives, and focused public attention on the social policy of the Finnish state towards commoners. When Robert turned 16, he went to Stockholm to study at the Swedish Academy of Arts. As a young and brilliant talent, Ekman received a Swedish scholarship for his talent, and later his vocation as an artist led him to go to study in Italy and France, and then to Holland. The master of the brush spent seven whole years in these countries from 1837 to 1844.

Returning back to the country of Suomi, Robert Wilhelm settled in the city of Turku, where he began painting the local cathedral with his wall frescoes and drawings. After which he founded a drawing school in the city, which he headed until 1873. He very clearly outlined the gulf that existed between the nobility and the peasants. The artist’s paintings shocked everyone with their unique and unimagined realism. The “father of Finnish painting and art” died in 1873.

Akseli Waldemar Gallen Kallela (Gallen-Kallela Akseli)

Akseli Gallen Kallela was born in the small Finnish town of Bjorneborg (modern name Pori) in April 1863. A fighter for the independence of Finland, the artist in his work tried in every possible way to depict a call to the nation to fight for the independence of their country. The modernism inherent in the painter allowed Axel Gallen Kallela to create very realistic paintings. After the end of the Finnish Civil War (1918), the artist began to study heraldry and create flag designs. In the middle of the twentieth century, the artist lived and worked for some time in the United States of America, where he successfully held exhibitions of his works. The painter died in 1931 in Stockholm, he died of pneumonia.

Conrad Oskar Kleineh

The most famous Finnish marine landscape painter was born in September 1846 in the capital of Finland. Oscar's German roots “came to the rescue”, which allowed him to study in Germany, namely in Dusseldorf. Kleinech later continued his studies in St. Petersburg and Karlsruhe. The marine painter's greatest popularity was brought to him by paintings depicting sea still lifes and landscapes; one original work was even exhibited in the St. Petersburg Hermitage. The artist died in his hometown of Helsinki in 1919.