Leena Luostarinen: Misfit

Leena Luostarinen (1949–2013) ranks among Finland’s most distinguished painters, who left an indelible mark on the Finnish art world. 

Now presented together for the first time, the exhibitionbrings together Luostarinen’s monumental paintings from HAM’s collection, dating from what is considered her creative peak in the 1980s and 1990s.

Luostarinen made her breakthrough in 1981 with a solo exhibition of large-scale feline predators. 

She soon became known for powerful paintings that visibly bear the marks of their making – from palette-knife traces to vigorous brushstrokes. In 1988, she was named Finland’s Artist of the Year.

Despite the acclaim she received, she often felt like an outsider, sensing that she neither belonged nor could conform. She travelled widely, driven by a longing for distant places. 

Drawing on influences from many cultures, she developed a compelling, recognisable style that resists categorisation. 

The exhibition architecture draws its colour scheme from Luostarinen’s paintings, while subtly mimicking the symmetrical floor plan of an imaginary temple. 

Feline creatures guide the visitors through the exhibition, which is arranged neither chronologically nor thematically.

HAM

9.10.2026-4.4.2027

Tue 10.00–17.00
Wed-Fri 11.00–19.00
Sat-Sun 11.00–17.00

Admission fee 0-20€