ART CENTER AHJO, SYSI-HALL; KALEVALAN ONNELLINEN AIKA - IN MEMORIAM JORMA TURTIAINEN

KALEVALAN ONNELLINEN AIKA - IN MEMORIAM JORMA TURTIAINEN (1936–2024)

The memorial exhibition of Joensuu-based visual artist and sculptor Jorma Turtiainen will open to the public at Art Center Ahjo on February 11, 2026. The theme of the exhibition is ”KALEVALAN ONNELLINEN AIKA”.
Alongside his other works, Jorma Turtiainen painted Kalevala-themed pieces from 1971 to 2001. In this memorial exhibition, we are now presenting – for the first time – the entire Kalevala series. The exhibition features 23 paintings. Each work offers its own fascinating interpretation. Additionally, sketches of Turtiainen’s sculptures and various photographs will be on display.

The foundation of Joensuu artist and sculptor Jorma Turtiainen’s fresh perspective on the Kalevala lies in decades of studying the Kalevala, the ancient poems of the Finnish people, and the Estonian national epic Kalevipoeg. Turtiainen also immersed himself in Eastern philosophies, discovering connections between them and the Kalevala. These interpretations of the Kalevala resulted in an productive collection of Kalevala-themed works. In addition to visual arts, Turtiainen created impressive, large-scale Kalevala-themed sculptures, which were displayed in the yard of his studio home.
Over the years, Turtiainen gave numerous interviews to the press about his interpretation of the Kalevala and his Kalevala art. His perspective of the Kalevala has received criticism, sparked discussion, and generated significant public interest. Jorma Turtiainen’s vision of the Kalevala is a testament to the work of an exceptionally creative mind – just as the Kalevala itself is.

WELCOME TO EXPLORE JORMA TURTIAINEN’S KALEVALAN ONNELLINEN AIKA.
ART CENTER AHJO, SYSI-SALI, 11.2-1.3.2026