Aalto at Nordic Nights

Virpi Suutari’s documentary about iconic Finnish architect, Alvar Aalto screening at Nordic Nights film series.

26.10.2021

7 pm

online

Honorary Consulate of Finland Toronto, Icelandic Canadian Club of Toronto, School of Image Arts, UofT Finnish Studies

Film

Virpi Suutari(Link to another website.) is an award winning documentary director, who’s Garden Lovers(Link to another website.) was seen at Nordic Nights in 2015.  She comes from Rovaniemi, where she spent many hours in a library designed by Alvar Aalto(Link to another website.), her first glimpse into the world of Aalto designs.

Suutari had generous access to family archives and to create a portrait of a man, his marriages and the contributions made by both of his wives.  It follows Alvar Aalto’s prolific career, introducing a number of his famous designs around the world.

Alvar Aalto (1898-1976) designs have stood the test of time and his chairs, vases and lamps for example are readily available in stores around the world.  His architectural designs would often include custom furniture and light fixtures.  One of his celebrated designs, the Paimio sanatorium(Link to another website.), completed in 1933, owes its success to his own experience in a hospital, which opened his eyes to design from the patient’s point of view and include the famous Paimio chair

 

Aalto remains an influence to this day and his namesake Alvar Aalto Foundation(Link to another website.) is active in many fields: research, seminars, exhibitions, and architectural education.  They also offer tours, including suggestions for self-guided ones, of Aalto’s works in Finland. 

Screening with a School of Image Arts(Link to another website.) student short film.

Screening Tuesday October 26 at 7 pm via zoom.  Immediately following, join us for discussion with Professor Anu Muhonen from UofT Finnish Studies.

Admission is free, registration required. (Link to another website.) 

Review at ndion.de(Link to another website.)

Trailer(Link to another website.)