Eastern Spirituality

Answers to the challenges of today's hectic lives are often sought in yoga, meditation, trips to the East Asia and homes decorated with images of Buddha. This exhibition provides an art and cultural historical overview of how 'Eastern spirituality' has been imagined in Finnish art from the late 19th century to the 1990’s.

Eastern religions have inspired artists to collect artefacts, travel, contemplate and seek new ways of approaching both artmaking and the practice of their own spirituality. These phenomena have been flourishing together with esoteric impulses, early 20th century dance and theatre performances, and the countercultural movement (e.g. the hippie movement), among others. How have Finnish artists used the ideas and imagery of Buddhism, Hinduism and Islam in their art?

The exhibition highlights interesting works, fascinating life stories and artefacts in which notions of Eastern spirituality have lived on in Finnish art and culture. In addition to visual art, the exhibition includes enchanting illustrations, photographic material and religious artefacts collected e.g. by C. G. Mannerheim and Akseli Gallen-Kallela.

Villa Gyllenberg

26.4–13.8.2023 Wed, Sat & Sun 12.00-17.00

Admission fee 10/12€, under 18 yrs and over 75 yrs free entry