Kemi Art Museum to unveil solo exhibition by Alvar Gullichsen featuring Elemental Spirits series

The Kemi Art Museum is set to unveil a unique solo exhibition by artist Alvar Gullichsen, titled “Stylized Sky.” This exhibition marks two significant firsts: it is Gullichsen’s debut solo show in Northern Finland, and it showcases for the first time in its entirety the four-part series “Elemental Spirits,” representing some of his most important works. The exhibition comprises around forty pieces created between 2011 and 2021, primarily featuring Gullichsen’s vibrant geometric paintings, along with sculptures developed in collaboration with artist Klaus Nyqvist.

One of the most striking pieces is a miniature model of the “Posankka” sculpture, which gained fame in the 1990s for its unusual design, combining elements of a marzipan pig and a bath duck. Dubbed the world’s oddest sculpture, the model in Kemi is the original Posankka, from which a larger version was erected in Turku.

Gullichsen chose to include the Posankka as a light-hearted element reminiscent of his earlier work, which featured humorous comic-like pieces. Reflecting on his past, he expresses a mix of amusement and appreciation for that period, noting the stark contrast between the Posankka and the other works in the exhibition.

In the early 2000s, Gullichsen’s artistic focus shifted towards creating bold, abstract, geometric, and even graphic compositions. He draws inspiration from various cultural forms and historical aesthetics, believing in a universal visual language that connects cultures and resonates within our DNA.

Gullichsen is also exploring new directions in his artistry, incorporating more daring color usage and surprise elements. Additionally, he continues to pursue music, working on a new album with the Afrojazz Quintet, emphasizing the significant interplay between his painting and musical endeavors.