Dozens of paintings by famed cartoonist found in Finnish village

Dozens of previously unknown paintings by Oki Räisänen, a renowned Finnish political cartoonist, have been discovered in the village of Vieremä, Yle reports.

Räisänen, best known for his political satire, spent summers in the area, his wife’s hometown, where he painted local people and landscapes. Residents have since found his works in their homes, depicting ancestors and old scenery.

The discoveries will form the basis of an exhibition and seminar in Vieremä on 17 July.

So far, around 40 of Räisänen’s paintings have been identified in the small community of roughly 100 people. The search began after local activist Raili Eskelinen read about Räisänen’s connection to the region in an old issue of Pellervo magazine.

Räisänen, who lived from 1886 to 1950, studied at the Finnish Art Society’s school in Ateneum under teachers including Hugo Simberg. Though primarily recognized as a cartoonist, he was also a skilled painter. His works have been found in homes across the village, including five in the house of Heikki Repo, two of which are portraits.

Historical records from the local youth association also reveal Räisänen’s involvement in community activities, such as editing the association’s newspaper, playing the violin, and reciting poetry.