06.03.2024 – 02.03.2025

Experiments in Concretism takes a fresh look at the long tradition of concretism and its contemporary variations. Concretism is a form of non-figurative art based on the use of geometrical shapes and structures. The exhibition presents the many facets of this diverse art movement, highlighting the expressivity and playfulness of various materials. The exhibition features many artworks that are spatial, experiental and also pieces that activate the visitor’s faculties of perception. At EMMA, the concretist pieces engage in a holistic dialogue with the industrial architecture of the Exhibition Centre WeeGee, designed by Aarno Ruusuvuori. The featured works are curated highlights from EMMA’s collections, some of which were acquired or commissioned especially for this exhibition. 

The exhibition places a special focus on the various ways in which contemporary art reinterprets and comments on modernism. It also celebrates the 100th anniversary of the birth of Lars-Gunnar ‘Nubben’ Nordström (1924–2014), by presenting a pick of works associated with this pioneer of Finnish concretism and geometrical abstractionism. The exhibition takes audiences on a journey back in history to the origins of concretism by presenting a selection of abstract works both by L-G Nordström and his contemporaries. The exhibition was produced with the kind support of the Lars-Gunnar Nordström Foundation. 

Artists featured alongside Nordström are Timo Aalto, Martti Aiha, Siim-Tanel Annus, Elina Autio, Stig Baumgartner, Inka Bell, Juhana Blomstedt, Bård Breivik, Birger Carlstedt, Kari Cavén, Lars Christensen, Jacob Dahlgren, Sonia Delaunay, Ann Edholm, Carolus Enckell, Beryl Furman, Kristjan Gudmundsson, Jorma Hautala, Erkki Hervo, Elina Juopperi, Kaisu Koivisto, Ola Kolehmainen, Matti Koskela, Matti Kujasalo, Muriel Kuoppala, Antti Kytömäki, Leonhard Lapin, Maija Lavonen, Ernst Mether-Borgström, Eila Minkkinen, Sarah Morris, Kasper Muttonen, Maija Närhinen, Pekka Nevalainen, Jussi Niva, Lars-Gunnar Nordström, Paul Osipow, Kyösti Pärkinen, Ritva Puotila, Mari Rantanen, Silja Rantanen, Louis Reith, Ragna Róbertsdóttir, Pekka Ryynänen, Piila Saksela, Pekka Sassi, Hannu Siren, Sandra Sirp, Airi Snellman-Hänninen, Antti Ukkonen, Raimo Utriainen and Irma Weckman.