Karin Hellman (1915–2004) was a bold and visionary innovator of Finnish modernism. In her hands, any material came to life in a new brilliance: she uniquely combined various materials, including pieces found in nature, recycled textiles and industrially produced everyday objects. Hellman is one of the most significant artists in Finland to have used the collage technique.

Her body of work conveys a humane and warm attitude towards life, as well as an unrestrained approach to making art. She was interested in the myths of different cultures, and also in the phenomena of the modern world and its possible futures. The spiral – a symbol of the cycle of life and spiritual growth – is often repeated in her works, as are themes of femininity and motherhood.

The exhibition includes nearly 100 of Karin Hellman’s works and is her first major museum exhibition. It consists mainly of works from the Collection Hellman, which is owned by EMMA. The exhibition will be accompanied by a research publication on Hellman’s art, produced by EMMA.