Jan Kenneth Weckman, Tarja Pitkänen-Walter, Božo Biškupić and Teemu Kassila , Photo by CDC

EXHIBITION

Finnish contemporary artists in Zagreb

This is a joint venture with the Academy of Fine Arts of the University of Zagreb and the Mimara Museum. The exhibition is being dedicated to Darko Glavan, former curator and initiator of this exhibition before he tragically passed away last summer, as it was recalled by Mr. Božo Biškupić, Minister of Culture, who has officialy opened exhibition.

Mr. Weckman and Ms. Pitkanen-Walter are well known artists in Finland, and during their visit they presented their work and conduct lectures for students at the Academy of Fine Arts. This marks the beginning of cooperation between the Academies of Fine Arts in Zagreb and Helsinki.

Mr. Jan Kenneth Weckman´s works use many techniques such as scratching, ink print, photography and felt-tip pen. Even though his works are abstract, they also have some traditional elements. Weckman puts a lot of his own personality into his art and challenges his audience. Since 1969 he has had 47 independent and 35 group exhibitions throughout Europe and Japan. Weckman is also the former Dean of the School of Visual Culture at the University of Art and Design. He has also received many prestigious art awards.

Ms. Tarja Pitkänen-Walter´s works are installations that are often three-dimensional and multi-sensory. Since 1984 she has had seven independent and 28 group exhibitions throughout Europe, the U.S. and Brazil. Pitkänen-Walter is Head of the Painting Department and Professor at the Finnish Academy of Fine Arts. She is vice chairperson of the National Council for Visual Arts and is a specialist in art purchases for the Helsinki City Art Museum. Pitkänen-Walter also received the Carnegie Art Award in 1999 which promotes Nordic contemporary painting and supports distinguished artists from Nordic countries.

Mr. Teemu Kassila is the spouse of the Finnish Ambassador Ms. Ann-Marie Nyroos, and his paintings are inspired by the art, myths, and philosophy of the world´s native people, in particular the Hopi Indians from Arizona, USA. He has lived in Zagreb since September 2007 and since then a marine blue tone has appeared in his works, which can be attributed as the Adriatic influence. Since 1973 his work has been presented in 17 exhibitions in England, France, the U.S, Denmark and Finland. In addition to art, Kassila has also been involved in the film and theater industry since 1969. Kassila is also a hypnotherapist specialized in dealing with various addictions. He is the son of the renowned Finnish film director, Matti Kassila.