Published at valtiontaideteostoimikunta.fi
n the first phase of the general art competition for the extension of the National Museum of Finland, 187 art proposals were received. The Finnish State Art Commission selected four art proposals for further development. The final selection of the realized artworks will be made in the autumn of 2023. The construction of the extension of the National Museum of Finland is set to begin in the autumn and will open to the public in the spring of 2027.
The two-stage art competition for the extension of the National Museum is organized by the Finnish State Art Commission in collaboration with the Finnish National Gallery, Senate Properties, and the Finnish Heritage Agency. The goal of the first phase of the competition was to find ideas for an artwork or a series of artworks to be implemented in connection with the extension of the National Museum.
The selected art proposals for further development are as follows:
1. “Lojan puutarhassa” (In Loja’s Garden) is a large-scale rug design that also refers to the architecture of the historical part of the National Museum, Hvitträsk Garden, and the sculptor and textile artist Loja Saarinen.
2. “Pinnan alla” (Beneath the Surface) is an interactive art proposal that deals with collective memory. The artwork combines different materials and techniques to depict Finnish mythology and the landscape of the soul.
3. “Lähdevettä” (Spring water) consists of handcrafted ceramic mosaics and aims to evoke hope. This delicate and organic art proposal highlights the significance of water and springs for people.
4. “Välähdyksiä” (Flashes) is a light installation that aligns with the architecture and surface materials of the new building. This subtle and changing artwork allows for various moods and imagery in the space.
The competition is conducted anonymously until the end, and the selected artists are announced in alphabetical order for this reason: Atso Airola & Leon Hidalgo, Otto Karvonen, Hanna-Kaisa Korolainen, and Tuula Lehtinen.
The second phase of the competition will take place from May 10 to September 12, 2023, during which the selected artists will further develop their art proposals. In the autumn, the proposals can be viewed at the National Museum and online, and the public can vote for their favorite. Both the public’s favorite and the final selection of the realized artworks made by the prize jury will be announced on October 16.
Image: JKMM Architects Ltd.
