Bulevardi 10
00120 Helsinki
T + 358 9 2785301
A new player enters the art scene with high aims: Helsinki Contemporary opens its doors.
From September 6, 2012, Gallery Kalhama & Piippo Contemporary is to be known as Helsinki Contemporary. The gallery remains located at Bulevardi 10, in the heart of Helsinki, but with a new name and visual intention. The gallery’s exhibitions will be more specific, individual and detailed.
Helsinki Contemporary is very focused, according to the needs of the works and their creators, the gallery’s artists. Central to the philosophy of the gallery are its local connections with Helsinki and Finland, alongside which the gallery will forge an active international presence through, for instance, international debates and art fairs. Helsinki Contemporary will emphasise the personal experience, face-to-face interaction and uniqueness of the art it shows. In addition to painting, sculpture and photographic art, Helsinki Contemporary will focus on artists who take a physical, in-depth approach to their work. Such works will also be shown beyond the actual gallery space, in public spaces or temporary rooms throughout the city of Helsinki.
Mr Mika Hannula, a member of the gallery board, says of the new gallery’s aims: “Helsinki Contemporary emphasises the importance of experiencing art on site. This is not about art as a finite object but more about it being a meeting point for constant interaction within a given space or situation. It is about giving people the opportunity of getting closer to art, to be present, to experience works of art together with other people—to interact with them.”
“This is an experience that isn’t limited to mere surface. It doesn’t hold on to or let itself be captivated by a given format, nor allow for any kind of formalism. By providing a challenging experience within the fabric of everyday life, it commands attention. It stalks you, challenges you to take another look, to look again, and again. The pleasure of it becomes both an individual and a shared experience. It creates an open and rewarding feeling which is inviting and inclusive. You become part of the atmosphere within the gallery, integral to the works on show—part of the principle of the pleasure and enjoyment of art, both with the art and within it.”
The new look of Helsinki Contemporary was revealed on Thursday, September 6. The visuals and new façade are by NOW, Nene Tsuboi and Tuomas Toivonen.
For more information, please contact:
Mikaela Lostedt, T +358 40 740 4901, mikaela.lostedt@helsinkicontemporary.com
Laura Köönikkä, T +358 50 533 0509, laura.koonikka@helsinkicontemporary.com
