Karin Hellman, English

Karin Hellman (1915–2004) was an innovative and unconventional pioneer of Finnish modernism, yet her work remains unfamiliar to many. In Hellman’s hands, materials found new and vibrant life: she combined natural materials, recycled textiles, and industrially produced everyday objects in her creations. She was one of the few Finnish artists to work predominantly with collage as her medium. 

In connection with Karin Hellman’s exhibition, EMMA will publish a book offering multifaceted insights into Hellman’s work through contributions by several authors. The curator of the exhibition, Tuomas Laulainen, MA, Curator of Collections, discusses in his article the distinctive qualities of Hellman’s works in the EMMA collection. Contemporary art researcher Dr Riikka Niemelä provides an in-depth study placing Hellman’s work within the broader context of international modernism and contemporary art. Laura Eweis, MA, Curator of Collections, discusses the recurring spiral motif in Hellman’s art. The book also includes an article by Chief Curator Henna Paunu, based on interviews with Åsa and Karl Johan Hellman, offering glimpses into the artist’s family life. Karin Hellman’s exhibition history has been compiled by the publication’s editor, Emma Lilja, MA.

Karin Hellman exhibition at EMMA 9.4.2025–1.2.2026.

EMMA – Espoo Museum of Modern Art publication 74/2025.

Hard cover
Pages: 160
Language: English
Editor: Emma Lilja
Writers: Laura Eweis, Pilvi Kalhama, Tuomas Laulainen, Emma Lilja, Riikka Niemelä, Henna Paunu
Translations: Simo Vassinen
Graphic design: Päivi Helander
Image editors: Emma Lilja, Tiina Penttilä
Photographs: Ari Karttunen, Lilja Oey, Jari Kuusenaho, Marcus Riska, Hannu Pakarinen, Hannu Aaltonen, Stella Ojala, Collection Hellman archive / EMMA, Hellman family album
Print: Jelgavas Tipogrāfija, Latvia 2025

ISBN 978-952-5509-74-8