Rich in culture, diverse in talent

Finland is a country rich in culture, a nation that respects beauty, truth, and above all, the freedom to express oneself. This environment has fostered and inspired many world-renowned artists, each making a mark in their respective disciplines. In response to these talented individuals, the Finnish people have opened their hearts, homes and lifestyles to the pleasures and beauty of the arts. Scroll down to take a peek at merely a few of the accomplished artists who have called Finland home.

In the 1920s, a young, little-know architect named Alvar Aalto became the surprise winner of a prestigious architectural competition. Remarkable uses of light, curving forms, unusual treatments of wood, and creating harmony with natural surroundings charachterized his work. Combined with youthful optimism, these characteristics made him one of the greatest and most recognizable architects the world has seen.

With styles all their own, these artists established the foundation of visual arts in Finland. Margareta Capsia, the first Finnish female artist of note, became one of the most respected Finnish artists of all time. Albert Edelfelt, a national treasure, specialized in portraits and paintings of Finnish history. He was highly successful in the salons of Paris and became a precursor of impressionism in Finland. At the turn of the century, Akseli Gallen-Kallela became a major force in pictorial arts. A fan of symbolism and expressionism, he created imagery for the Finnish national epic, “Kalevala.”

Jorma Uotinen is one of the most popular choreographers and dancers in Finland. He has danced all over the world and was the director of the National Ballet from 1992-2001. With a solid background in modern dance, he brought new flavors to the spectacular new opera house in Helsinki.

Iittala is the most prominent glass design company in Finland. Its beautiful works can be found in almost every Finnish home.

Marimekko, a garment and fabric store founded by Armi Ratia, revolutionized Finnish fashion. Use of color and design make its pieces stand out in a crowd. A brand known all over the world, it was a favorite of Jacqueline Kennedy.

Renny Harlin is a Finnish director thriving in Hollywood. He has directed several blockbusters including “Cliffhanger” and “Long Kiss Goodnight.”

The Kaurismäki brothers, Aki and Mika, have become successful cult movie directors. Their penchant for weaving tragi-comical tales with irony has made them popular throughout the world. In 2003, Aki received an Oscar nomination for directing “A Man without a Past.”

Classics to chirldren’s books, Finland has certainly not gone without great literature.

In the 19th century, J.L. Runeberg became a pioneer of Finnish poetry. Aleksis Kivi, one of the most prestigious Finnish writers of all time, wrote the classic, “Seitsemän Veljestä”(The Seven Brothers). Mika Waltari, the most accomplished Finnish writer on an international scale, wrote the historical novel, “Sinuhe Egyptiläinen” (Sinuhe the Egyptian), which has been translated in to 32 languages. Children might recognize the Moomin books created by Tove Jansson. You can find Moomin on our web site’s home page.

Finnish popular music has begun to stake its claim as well. Climbing the charts worldwide are artists such as Darude (dance), Trio Töykeät (jazz), Värttinä (folk), HIM (rock), and Nightwish (metal).

There are approximately 40 professional theatres in Finland. Every summer there is a large theatre festival in the city of Tampere, which gathers actors from all over the world. Finns are certainly no strangers to the theatre. Each year almost 3 million tickets are sold in a country of 5 million.