Presentation

This is our presentation.

PAINTINGS

When decorating a new flat the most problematic detail has turned out to be how to hang up the paintings. The following four haven’t found a proper place yet. Perhaps landscapes would have been easier.

”The Priest” by Olavi Vaarula  (1927-1989)

Vaarula is often called a naivist and his paintings can be recognized anywhere. His work crosses the borderline between dreams and reality. He painted flying figures – both people and animals – using a mixture of oil and watercolour. This painting in oil is not typical of his artistic repertoire, but the priest with a serous expression on his face may touch your conscience.

”Pierrot” by Taisto Ahtola (1917-2000 )

This painting could actually be called ” The Clown”, because Pierrot was originally a comic character with a whitened face and wearing loose white clothes. Ahtola  painted  a number of clowns in different styles and colours, more and more obscure in his later years

“ The Fisherman” by Nikolai Lehto (1905-1994)

Lehto turned more and more to the naivistic style after trying all else earlier in his career. As a naivist he was actually  one of the first in Finland. This painting shows us a proud fisherman with his catch and we are happy for him. Perhaps Lehto was an optimist by nature, because most of his paintings express certain positiveness and joy of life.

“ A Portrait of a Young Couple” by Lasse Marttinen (1926-2007)

This playful painting reminds me of the framed photos, which could be seen on the walls of well-to-do farmhouses  at the beginning of the previous century. Marttinen painted hundreds of portraits of his contemporaries as well. He founded Espoo Art School and was an excellent and inspiring teacher. In his work we see a skilled colourist full of surprises.