ITE-Aulis Home Museum
The remarkable world of ITE artist Aulis Jalkanen (born 1935), one of the leading figures of Finnish contemporary folk art, opens to visitors at his home museum in Suonenjoki. The museum features paintings, sculptures, prints, drawings, poems, caricatures, polished stones and much more, spanning from the 1950s to the 2020s.
Jalkanen, who worked in forestry and as a carpenter, has used materials from the forest extensively in his incredibly prolific body of work. Nature is a central theme in his beautiful oil paintings. He also created his own fantasy world inspired by Finnish forest mythology. This can be seen especially in his graphic prints and crushed stone artworks, but also in his poetry.
Located 5.5 kilometres from the centre of Suonenjoki, the home museum is a true treasure trove. Jalkanen’s art highlights frugality and recycling. For example, he painted artistic experiments on pieces of milk cartons. The creativity of this ITE artist in using all kinds of materials, as well as the sheer number of works, is impressive. His sketchbooks depicting everyday tasks also serve as local historical records of their time.
Jalkanen’s father Yrjö was killed in the Continuation War. The home museum tells the story of the environment in which Aulis grew up, lived, worked and loved. Jalkanen also played musical instruments, competed in orienteering at the Finnish championship level, cared for his mother and later in life found a partner. Visitors are warmly welcome to explore this extraordinary artistic and cultural heritage.
More information from the link below!
Address:
Herralanmäentie 399, 77600 Suonenjoki
