Classics of Contemporary Art – the Kuntsi Collection

7.7. – 9.10.2022 

The Kuntsi collection is one of Finland’s most significant art collections, many beloved classics by important contemporary Finnish artists are preserved in their protection.  In honor of the Kuntsi Foundation’s 50th anniversary part of their art collection is presented in Jyväskylä, the city where founder, consul Simo Kuntsi (1913–1984) was born.

The exhibition presents the core of the Kuntsi Foundation’s collection, that is, artwork by young Finnish artists of the 1960–80's who have now gained historical status. The exhibition shows paintings, sculptures and prints from key artists such as Juhani Harri, Kimmo Kaivanto, Ahti Lavonen and Kain Tapper.

Some of the pearls from this collection include the classic paintings by strong women artists such as Leena Luostarinen’s beloved Yöleopardi (Night Leopard) and Marika Mäkelä’s impressive Pääsiäinen (Easter). The artists represent trail blazers of their time alongside the Finnish painting innovators Rauni Liukko and Marjatta Tapiola. 

The over 800 artwork’s Kuntsi collection is primarily categorised as a collection of classics from Finnish contemporary art, although it is continually accumulating new acquisitions. The exhibition also includes artwork from newer artists such as Kuutti Lavonen and Jukka Rusanen originally form Jyväskylä, as well as Liisa Lounila, Marianna Uutinen and Maiju Salmenkivi.

The Kuntsi Collection is based in Vaasa, in the West Coast of Finland. From the beginning the Kuntsi Foundation’s operational idea was to collect and present new styles of the art world and phenomena from recent history as well as to provide the public with perspectives on contemporary art. Consul Simo Kuntsi founded the foundation in his name in the year 1970.

Simo Kuntsi began collecting contemporary art as early as the 1950s. On his work trips to Paris, Kuntsi visited galleries and acquired modern French art. From the 1960's he was active in the Finnish art scene, supporting young artists and participating in the Maecenas Guild and the Association for Contemporary Art. In the 1970's, the foundation became known for its open-mindedness for presenting its fast-growing art collection in a public space at a new business school in Vaasa. In 2007, the Kuntsi Foundation initiated the opening of the Kuntsi Museum of Modern Art in Vaasa, based on their collection. 

Kuntsi Foundation’s 50th anniversary exhibition was presented at the Helsinki Art Hall in 2020 and  in the foundation’s hometown Vaasa, in 2021.

The exhibition is curated by the Kuntsi Foundations’ representative, Anne-Maj Salin. The exhibition is organized in collaboration with the Kuntsi Foundation and the Kuntsi Museum of Modern Art.