Generation 2026

“Art is what we turn to when words and thoughts are not enough to understand ourselves.” —Erial Dolores, Generation 2026 artist     

The fourth edition of Amos Rex's Generation triennial provides a unique overview of a young generation’s thoughts, challenges, and dreams through art. The exhibition brings together 50 artists and collectives born between 2001 and 2008, offering an unfiltered view of an emerging generation of creative young people, many of whom are exhibiting publicly for the first time. 

“Amos Rex has a special relationship with young people, both as visitors and as artists. Generation is an exhibition that is our commitment to show the work of young artists on the biggest stage possible. The work in Generation 2026 is extraordinary, giving a view of how young people will express themselves in the future and of their concerns, interests, passions and attitudes to their lives and futures,” says museum director Kieran Long. 

The Generation artists explore identity, community, and belonging, while questioning norms and power structures through radical and courageous works in many different art forms, including ones rarely seen in art museums. The works address themes this generation is very familiar with: being forced to confront oneself, being deliberately unwelcome in a place, and being exhausted by the uncertainty that defines our time. 

“Artists in the Generation 2026 exhibition approach themes that concern all of us with admirable courage and honesty, in an open and even humorous way. The exhibition takes us from questioning power structures to searching for belonging and acceptance, to visions of the future, and finally to new interpretations of roots, personal starting points, and sharedtraditions. In this fragmented and uncertain time, it feels more important than ever to listen to young people and to strengthen their voices,” says curator Inna Schwanck. 

The exhibition combines traditional art forms, such as an installation made of wool, with new innovative technologies. Works include a macabre video game about souls who failed in life, a 3D-printed horse as part of an interactive installation, a six-meter-wide projection that responds to movement, and an active performing arts program created by eight differentartists. 

The exhibition’s curator is Inna Schwanck, with Elsa Hessle as assistant curator. 

Generation 2026 artists
Snowdrop Áine-Fae Belmont, Duc Anh (Ducky) Cong & Nguyet Minh Hoang, Erial Dolores, Tara Haikka, Aarne Heikura, Rosa Helenius, Rauha Helin, Eeli Hilme, Eino Intosalmi, Eevi Kaila, Elli Kavén, Tekla Kokkonen, Paavo Kärki, Konsta Laaksosaari, Emilia Lehikoinen, Hafsa Mahamed, Stanislava Ovchinnikova, Sofia Parland & Erix Aboltins, Lena Patta, Veera Pelkonen, Arvi Penttilä, Aarni Pieski, Eeva Airavaara, Lilja Kervinen & Lucian Lovén, Gabriella Presnal, Esteri Punin, Elsa Kerava, Aaro Uusitalo, Iiris Itäkannas & Joanna Linnapuomi, Ly Rahtu, Rafael Rainti, Viola Rauta, Tapio Rokkonen, Elli Roth, Lari Rouvinen, Oiva Rytkönen, Melissa Sende, Nóra Somos, Taika Sorjonen, Alva Strang & Rafael Denisov, Leo Terävä & Aliina Kemppainen, tibs, Vilma Tietäväinen, Aura Tiira, Veikka “pvp” Toivari, Sani Tolonen, Victoria Torboli, Siiri Torvinen, Siiri Turpeinen, Johan Urrutia, Iida Viio, Sofia Vuorenmaa, Helmi Westerlund, xyny, Mira Ödemark 

The exhibition is a cornerstone of Amos Rex’s program and anchors the museum’s long-term commitment to presenting young art and engaging young audiences by highlighting their voices and perspectives. In late March 2026, Amos Rex and strategy agency Noren published a new study on how young people build resilience in an unpredictable world. 

The Generation artists are supported by the Amos Anderson Fund, founder and owner of Amos Rex.