05.09.2026 – 07.02.2027
2nd floor

Warmly welcome to the opening of the exhibition Friday, September 4th, 6–9 pm!

The retrospective exhibition of Howard Smith  (1928–2021) presents the diverse career of a beloved and distinctive artist. The exhibition is a tribute to his open-minded visual expression and influence on the Finnish art and design scene.

Smith, originally from New Jersey, became known for his curious approach to art. His extensive career was a continuous exploration of the possibilities of different materials, forms and techniques. Smith worked extensively in ceramics, textile art, sculpture, paper cutting, collage and drawings. In addition, his design also extended to the urban space with numerous public art works. In addition to art, Smith designed fabrics for Vallila and ceramics for Arabia. His beloved design classics have found their way into the homes and everyday lives of many Finns. 

The long-awaited solo exhibition of Howard Smith is part of the series of exhibitions at EMMA presenting classics of modernism and its innovators. It highlights an artist whose contribution to Finnish art and design has been significant. At the same time, the exhibition emphasizes the importance of multiculturalism as part of Finnish art history: Smith is a rare example of an African-American artist who had a central influence on the development of our visual field.