Exhibitions

Reidar Särestöniemi – Arctic Energy 26.5.–26.9.2010

Reidar Särestöniemi (1925–1981) is renowned for his large canvases depicting the Arctic nature of Lapland, its people, and animal and fantasy figures. This prolific and diverse artist, who lived the greater part of his life in Kittilä, created a highly personal expression. He was no self-taught artist but received a thorough art education at the Finnish Academy of Fine Arts and the Repin Institute in Leningrad.

Self-portrait, 1971

The exhibition at the Didrichsen Art Museum presents Särestöniemi’s work from a number of decades. In addition to his paintings with Lapp motifs, it also includes his lesser known works like the human figures, graphics, portraits and self-portraits from the 1950s.

Reclining model, 1950

During his career, Särestöniemi investigated numerous forms of expression, experimented with different painting techniques, approaching an almost abstract expression. In his works he took up the issues of nature conservation and the difficulties of sexual minorities in society. During the depths of winter, he escaped Lapland to travel the world.

Cubist painting, 1951

Museum is open:

May and September Tue–Sun 11–18, June–July–August Tue–Sun 11–17