02 marraskuuta 2016

Modigliani Exhibition in Helsinki


Ateneum is the most important art museum in Finland. Its impressive building dates back to the late 1800s and is situated quite near the Central Railway Station in the very center of Helsinki. The collections of Ateneum include extensively Finnish art all the way from 18th-century rococo portraiture to the experimental art movements of the 20th century. The collections also include some 650 international works of art.


In addition to permanent collections, Ateneum organises exhibitions of famous Finnish and international artists. Right now Ateneum is hosting unique 


up till 5th of February 2017.


In the link you'll find extensive articles on Modigliani's (1884-1920) art and life. So I tell only briefly that he was an Italian jewish painter and sculptor who worked mainly in France. He is known for portraits and nudes in a modern style characterized by elongation of faces and figures, that were not received well during his lifetime, but later found acceptance. 

Modigliani's health was not good, he suffered of tuberculosis. And he thought he'll die anyway young so he spent a wild life with alcohol and drugs. He died of tubercular meningitis at the age of 35.


There was also a tragic love story with the young Jeanne Hébuterne. She gave birth to their first child and was pregnant with the second when Modigliani died. The next day Jeanne jumped out of the window killing herself and the unborn baby. Their young daughter became an orphan.

Working during that fertile period of “isms” - Cubism, Dadaism. Surrealism, Futurism - Modigliani did not choose to be categorized within any of these prevailing, defining confines. He was unclassifiable, stubbornly insisting on his difference. He was an artist putting down paint on canvas creating works not to shock and outrage, but to say, “This is what I see.” 

Since his death, Modigliani's reputation has soared. Nine novels, a play, a documentary, and three feature films have been devoted to his life. Modigliani's sister in Florence adopted their daughter, Jeanne (1918–1984). As an adult, she wrote a biography of her father titled Modigliani: Man and Myth.


Usually I tell you about Finnish artists but this is a great happening in Helsinki. The Modigliani Exhibition was opened a few days ago, so I have not yet visited it myself but will that's for sure.

Hope you enjoyed!
PS
All photos used are free to be published under licence CC BY-3.0 or Public domain

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20 kommenttia:

  1. You are so lucky to have such a fantastic exhibition. I have always admired his work, but had no idea about his tragic life or the fact he was so independent. Many thanks Riitta for adding an amazing link. Bx

    VastaaPoista
    Vastaukset
    1. I have admired Modigliani too since my teens. I wish I have time to go to Ateneum next week. This I don't want to miss.

      It started to snow here - I'm not too happy!

      Poista
  2. How lovely! Thanks for sharing! I believe I saw this building when I was in Helsinki, but didn't have a chance to go in as we were on a tour and it wasn't scheduled to go inside. I so need to go back to Finland and look at it with adult eyes.

    VastaaPoista
  3. You couldn't really miss this chance, dearest, wonderful Riitta, thank you for sharing some masterpieces with us !

    Hope you're having the best of weeks,
    I'm sending hugs and ever much love to you

    Xx Dany

    VastaaPoista
  4. What a wonderful exhibition. I'm glad you were able to see it.

    VastaaPoista
  5. A wonderful exhibition, I wish I had been able to see. Such a striking building too. A great five.

    VastaaPoista
  6. How wonderful to have the exhibition visit and what an amazingly beautiful building

    VastaaPoista
  7. I know little about Modigliani - what a sad life he had. You have a wonderful opportunity to see his work in the exhibition.
    Have a great weekend.

    VastaaPoista
  8. Thank you for that art lesson, and enough information about the man to make me want to read more of his life. Such a tragic end for the entire family.

    VastaaPoista
  9. Beautiful! Thanks for sharing the art for your Five on Friday. The building itself is just gorgeous. I would love to take photos of that!

    VastaaPoista
  10. What a fabulous building, I would love to see the interior. Enjoy the exhibition when you visit as I'm sure it will be wonderful.

    VastaaPoista
  11. An interesting artist, great photos.

    VastaaPoista
  12. I love reading about artists that are new to me. His wife's story is so tragic after his death. Have a wonderful Sunday.

    VastaaPoista
    Vastaukset
    1. Thank you ALL for your lovely comments! I'm a bit late in visiting... So sorry.

      Poista
  13. I never cease to be surprised by the wonderful things my blogging friends share with us on Mosaic Mondays.
    I knew very little about this artist before today, your knowledgeable post has intrigued me to find out more.
    Enjoy the exhibition.
    Maggie

    VastaaPoista
    Vastaukset
    1. You are welcome Maggie! I'm glad you enjoyed my post!

      Poista
  14. Thanks for the beautiful post, I very like Modigliani and I wish I could visit this exhibition.
    Have a nice new week

    VastaaPoista
  15. I've long been an admired of Modigliani's work. You have shared a wonderful informative post. I've seen these works through the years, but would love to see this exhibit. Thanks for sharing!

    VastaaPoista
  16. How wonderful to live near a beautiful Museum (our city is a small one -- nothing like this) .. I would love to visit it during this exhibition (or anytime really). But it is especially wonderful that you have this one. Thank you for sharing it with us.

    VastaaPoista
  17. You asked about snow in our corner of the world, on Vancouver Island on the west coast of Canada. We get a little bit, sometimes. The past two years we've not had any and I miss it. We're planning on going up into the mountains over Christmas and will hopefully see some snow then.

    VastaaPoista

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