Generation 2023

The life experiences of this generation and their reflections on the current state of the world play a key role.

The 50 artists and working pairs and their works form a rich and diverse tapestry. The life experiences of this generation and their reflections on the current state of the world play a key role. The artists’ varied backgrounds form a rich and diverse tapestry in which their artistic voices are heard. The life experiences of this generation and their reflections on the current state of the world play a key role.

In their works, the artists seek new ways to approach the most pressing issues of our time. Many put a spotlight on the state of nature and its coexistence with humankind. How can we change a relationship where one side has benefited from the constant subjugation of the other? Others expose norms related to gender identity and appearance and lead us to question established norms. Mental health, feelings related to the pandemic and digital exhaustion are also topics that young artists consider through art – and many find ways to deal with difficult emotions through creativity. Performance art works, on the other hand, gently coax us out of our bubbles to enjoy art as a shared experience.

Almost 60 art works in the exhibition include painting, textile art, photography, installation art, performances, dance, video art, sculpture, comics, audio, animation, graphics, 3D-prints and an outdoor sculpture.

Creators aged 15–23 were invited to take part in the exhibition’s open call and submitted a total of 1,004 work proposals. From these impassioned, high-quality applications, the jury selected these 50 artists and working pairs to participate in the exhibition. The seven-member jury, chaired by choreographer and director Ima Iduozee, included Generation 2020 artists Anna-Karoliina Vainio and Alex Luonto, museum director Kai Kartio, and curators Anastasia Isakova, Krista Mamia and Laura Porola.

The exhibition partners are Konstsamfunder, Nuori taide and Tero Saarinen Company.