"Gokann: 109th Finnish Artists' Exhibition / 4th Triennial"
2004-03-15 until 2004-04-18
Kunsthalle Helsinki
Helsinki, , FI Finland

The 140th anniversary exhibition of the Artists' Association of Finland presents Finnish contemporary art from a Japanese perspective. Comprising the 109th annual exhibition / 4th triennial of the Artists' Association, the exhibition titled Gokann presents a review of Finnish contemporary art. The focus is primarily on photography and moving images, but also installations, prints, paintings and performances are included. The exhibition is curated by Megumi Matsuo, gallery director and art expert from Kyoto. Gokann was formerly presented in Japan as part of the Feel Finland campaign organised by the Finnish Institute in Japan.

The artists and works that appear in the exhibition were all selected by curator Matsuo. She is particularly interested in the way Finnish artists represent issues of identity and otherness. The word Gokann refers to the five senses. There are 26 artists in the exhibition: Elina Brotherus, Maria Duncker, Jari Haanperä, Kirsi Jokelainen, Jan Kaila, Aino Kannisto, Marjaana Kella, Kaisu Koivisto, Liisa Lounila, Raija Malka, Melek Mazici, Juha Mäki-Jussila, Elena Näsänen, Heli Penttinen, Pekka Purhonen, Riitta Päiväläinen, Aurora Reinhard, Ari Saarto, Pekka Sassi, Heimo Suntio, Mika Taanila, Anu Tuominen, Salla Tykkä, Roi Vaara, Oliver Whitehead and Helena Öst.

The exhibition is based on an long-term co-operation project with Japan initiated in 2001. In autumn 2002, the Artists' Association of Finland organised an extensive exhibition of Japanese contemporary art, which was simultaneously presented at the Kerava Art Museum, Gallery G and Gallery Hippolyte in Helsinki. In Kyoto, Gokann was also presented in three different venues.

The exhibition was produced with the generous help of KONE, who also co-operated with the Artists' Association in Japan. The strategy of KONE is to primarily participate in ventures that promote free movement of people. However, they also support cultural art projects that extend over a longer period of time and involve an international dimension.

The Artists' Association of Finland celebrates their 140th anniversary on Wednesday 17 March 2004 at 6-8 pm, offering free admission to the Kunsthalle. The programme features Exhibition Opening, a performance by Pekka Purhonen at 6.45 pm.

Related Links:

Indepth Arts Resources for Finland

Other Important Exhibitions in Finland