Fishes of Scandinavia – Aquarelle originals by Sakke Yrjölä

Illustrator and graphic designer Sakke Yrjölä has for the past decade focused on his great passion: fish. In his work Suomen Kalat (Fish of Finland), Yrjölä presented detailed watercolour paintings of all 71 species of fish living in Finnish waters. 

Now he is working on his next major work, Pohjolan kalat (Fish of the Scandinavia). The exhibition at Natural History Museum will feature 40 illustration originals from the forthcoming book: hand-painted species-identification images of North-east Atlantic and Arctic Ocean fish species. 

Among the species that have been painted are the strange Rabbit fish, the rainbow-coloured Mackerel, Roughhead grenadier from the dark ocean depths and many other interesting species. 

In addition to the technically masterful print, what makes Yrjölä’s project special is that the illustrator has been there in person to capture and document the species. 

Sakke Yrjölä’s fish illustrations are both functional species identification images that meet the needs of fishermen and artistic illustrations that showcase the endless wonder and diversity of endangered marine life.

Natural History Museum, pop up balcony

24.1.-30.3.2025

Tue-Fri 10.00-18.00

Sat 10.00-18.00

Sun 10.00-16.00

Admission fee 7-20€