Touring Exhibition: Alvar Aalto´s Jyväskylä

New York-based Finnish photographer Janne Tuunanen captures the sensuality of Alvar Aalto’s work in their shared Finnish hometown in Alvar Aalto’s Jyväskylä – a touring photography exhibition.

Surrounded by lakes and forests in the heart of Central Finland, the Jyväskylä region creates the backdrop for the series of photographs by Finnish photographer Janne Tuunanen. After years of working in New York City, Tuunanen shifts his focus back to his former hometown, known for the exceptional heritage of modern architecture by the renowned Finnish architect and designer Alvar Aalto.

The resulting series provides a unique and unexpected perspective on Aalto’s architecture. The precise composition and insightful angles draw the viewer’s attention to exquisite details often left out of images in architecture books and magazines.

About Alvar Aalto

Alvar Aalto (1898-1976) is recognized today as one of the great masters of modern architecture. Aalto’s style is distinctively Finnish, strongly individual, and marked by a warm humanity. His buildings derive their aesthetic character from their dynamic relationship with their natural surroundings, their human scale, superbly executed details, unique treatment of materials, and ingenious use of lighting. As one of the co-founders of design company Artek, Aalto left a legacy with lasting resonance.

Alvar Aalto went to school, started a family, and began his illustrious career in Jyväskylä, which is home to his creations from the very start of his career right through to designs from his final years. The impressive portfolio of 29 locations includes, for instance, the University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä City Theatre, Muurame Church, and Muuratsalo Experimental House.

About Janne Tuunanen

Janne Tuunanen(Link to another website.) is a Finnish photographer and artist based in New York. He has collaborated with institutions like the Royal College of Art and the Finnish Cultural Institute in New York. His works have been published in magazines such as Port, Pylot, Dwell, and Wallpaper. Recent work includes the Helsinki Olympic Stadium (2020) series of photographs that offer a graceful, graphically arresting representation of the iconic stadium, and Bastard Cookbook (2019), part cookbook, part collage of culinary misadventures with Antto Melasniemi and Rirkrit Tiravanija.

Exhibition Venues

Organizers

The exhibition is presented by The Consulate General of Finland in New York, The Embassy of Finland in Washington, D.C., and The Finnish Cultural Institute in New York(Link to another website.), in collaboration with Alvar Aalto Foundation(Link to another website.).

Inquiries 

Anssi Vallius, Adviser for Cultural Affairs and Creative Industries
Consulate General of Finland in New York
anssi.vallius(at)formin.fi