Karin Hellman (1915–2004) was one of Finland’s foremost collage artists, capable of transforming any material into something radiant. Yet despite her talent and innovation, her work remains relatively unfamiliar to many. Now the artist’s life’s work can be explored in a new publication produced by EMMA! 

In the publication, exhibition curator and MA Tuomas Laulainen highlights the unique features of the works from EMMA Collection. Contemporary art researcher Dr. Riikka Niemelä offers an in-depth art historical study, placing Hellman’s career and work within the context of international modernism and contemporary art. In her article, curator MA Laura Eweis explores the symbolism of the spiral motif that frequently appears in Hellman’s art. The publication also includes an article about the life of the artist’s family, based on an interview with Åsa and Karl Johan Hellman, written by EMMA’s Chief Curator MA Henna Paunu. The artist’s exhibition history has been compiled by the editor of the publication, MA Emma Lilja. 

The graphic design of the publication was created by Päivi Helander, chosen Graphic Designer of the Year 2025. “When I started the project, I explored Karin’s works and built a sort of form archive from them. Recurring forms included spirals, rock-like boulders, horns, and waves. I was especially fascinated by the spirals. When I later discovered in an interview with Karl Johan Hellman that the spiral held special meaning for Karin, it felt right to place it on the cover as the most quintessentially ‘Karin-like’ shape,” Helander explains. 

“The materials used in the book – fabric, porous paper, and textured cardboard – reference the impact of Karin Hellman’s collage works. As a user of colour, she was, in my opinion, a master: how she could create such harmonious and grand works using scraps and found materials was simply remarkable,” the designer continues enthusiastically. 

Published with the support of Konstsamfundet, The Society of Swedish Literature in Finland from Ingrid, Margit and Henrik Höijer’s donation fund I, and The Swedish Cultural Foundation in Finland. 

Get your copy now in-store or online at the EMMA Shop! The book is available in two language versions: English and Finnish/Swedish.