History
In 1998, Kiasma was founded with the intention of developing a state-of-the- art location for contemporary art. The remarkable museum building, created by American architect Steven Holl, is a work of architectural wonder that attracts tourists in and of itself. The flowing lines and play of light and shadow in the building's distinctive design elevate the experience of seeing contemporary art. Since its founding, Kiasma has been a major force in advancing contemporary art in Finland by offering a venue for avant-garde and experimental pieces. The museum's activities and shows consistently push the bounds of what is possible for contemporary art, stimulating viewers in novel and thought-provoking ways.
Galleries and Exponents
Kiasma's galleries can accommodate a broad variety of exhibitions and installations because of their versatile and adaptive architecture. Prominent Finnish contemporary artists including Eija-Liisa Ahtila, Jani Leinonen, and Elina Brotherus, as well as foreign artists like Pipilotti Rist and Isaac Julien, are represented in the museum's collection. Exhibitions at the museum frequently examine topics like identity, technology, and environmental concerns that are important to modern culture. In addition, Kiasma organizes workshops, movie screenings, and performances that support a multidisciplinary approach to modern art. Visitors are given a dynamic and immersive experience as a result of the blending of many media and art forms, which inspires people to interact with art in fresh and significant ways.
Ars Fennica Collection
Kiasma's Ars Fennica Collection is among its most fascinating features. The most important prize for contemporary art in Finland, the Ars Fennica Award, is given to artists whose works are included in this collection. The collection highlights the inventiveness and ingenuity of modern Finnish artists by showcasing a wide variety of media and genres. Visitors can get a close-up look at the cutting edge of modern Finnish art at the Ars Fennica Collection. The installation "Strange Fruit" by Kaarina Kaikkonen, which employs repurposed garments to produce visually striking and thought-provoking sculptures, is one of the collection's highlight pieces. This collection provides a rare chance to see the cutting edge of Finnish contemporary art.