The exhibition Reflections

The work of the sculptor, Professor Eero Hiironen is currently on show at the Didrichsen Art Museum. This exhibition combines art, architecture and nature in a unique way. The sculptures reflect the nature surrounding the Museum: water, trees and the sky. At the same time they become an integral part of Viljo Revell´s architecture. These three elements merge into one, forming an all-embracing whole.

The exhibition shows 40 sculptures and reliefs and 15 paintings, sketches and drawings of sculptures. Part of the sculptures are placed outside in the Sculpture Park, which offers the visitor a chance to enjoy the art works in the nature and the sea surrounding the Museum, at any chosen time.


Water and Earth, 1998

""A piece of land and a drop of water.
To each according to their needs."

The source of Eero Hiironen´s inspiration over the past 30 years has been lake Savilampi in Ähtäri, Finland, so familiar and dear to him. It is these waters and reflections that he had studied, capturing the movements and turning them into motifs for his sculptures.


Form on Water Surface I, 1998

" "I am not portraying anything unusual.
The forms are familiar to us all.
Fog over a lake.
We have all experienced the same."


Water Forms, 1995

This clear and tangible theme has, through many years of hard work, crystallized into an abstract but universal interpretation of the primary conditions for our existence. Without water, in particular pure water, no life on earth can be sustained.

"Water is the essence of life."


Villa Didrichsen 1958
Before building of museum wing

Viljo Revell´s architecture as part of the exhibition
In studying the exhibition Reflections it is important to note how this exhibition is bound to its venue. It is constructed as a total work of art, like the museum itself and its immediate surroundings, which can be described as an example of the "humanistic functionalism" of the architect Viljo Revell. The architect designed not only the building but also most of its interiors and the grounds. The L-shaped building was built in 1957 as the home of the Danish businessman Gunnar Didrichsen and his family. The U-shaped museum annex, also by Revell, was added in 1964.

Three goals
Revell's design proceeded from the basic consideration of combining three things important both to the owner of the house and to himself: architecture, nature and art. The present exhibition by Eero Hiironen interestingly falls into a continuum with these core factors of the architect's contribution. Hiironen also expresses the same connection with nature, the relationship of art and architecture, and the merging of all three.


The patio


The winter garden