Helsinki City Art Museum in Meilahti hosts an exhibition titled Photography and Video NOW consisting of the latest work by the young generation of the Helsinki School. On display are photographs, videos and installations.

 

The Helsinki School is one of the most famous Finnish art movements ever. The school is made up of both photographs and videos from selected artists who have attended, graduated from or taught at the Aalto University School of Art and Design (formerly the University of Art and Design Helsinki). Many of its artists are famous internationally and participate in exhibitions globally.

 

The Helsinki School began 15 years ago as a teaching project by Timothy Persons. The concept is not defined by a specific discipline, nationality or geographic region. It represents an approach where each generation is given the chance to invent themselves. The Helsinki School has been established as a unique approach in teaching and applying the camera as a conceptual tool.

Work by the artists are gathered together in extensive exhibitions travelling around the world. The exhibitions are curated by Timothy Persons.

 

The work of the Helsinki School artists can be viewed in Gallery TaiK. The gallery, established in 1995 in Helsinki, Finland by Timothy Persons, is the prime gallery for the artists.

 

Photography and Video NOW is the first exhibition from the Helsinki School that initiates from Helsinki. The format ranges from abstract to documentary, and the content from conceptual to narrative. The themes range from psychological portraits to landscapes, and from autobiographical stories to geometric compositions. The works also take a stand on ecological issues and changes in the urban environment.

 

The 17 artists featured in the exhibition are: Joonas Ahlava, Pasi Autio, Carsten Benger, Wilma Hurskainen, Hannu Karjalainen, Kalle Kataila, Milja Laurila, Anni Leppälä, Noomi Ljungdell, Susanna Majuri, Nelli Palomäki, Mikko Sinervo, Ea Vasko, Niina Vatanen, Saana Wang, Dagmar Weiss and Pernilla Zetterman.