The exhibition takes place from 26 April 2024 to 14 September 2024 at Institut finlandais
Inauguration on 25 April, 2024, from 6pm to 8pm
Institut finlandais is delighted to present the exhibition All the Colours of the World by Finnish visual artist Nanna Susi. The exhibition is part of Institut finlandais’ Ensemble ! programme exploring the theme of togetherness in the spirit of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
The Olympic Games bring people together. Nanna Susi approaches the theme of togetherness by drawing inspiration from the ideals and symbols of the games. She uses both strong and subtle shapes, and a wide colour palette as a powerful and sensitive expression of inclusivity and coexistence. “Our days, thoughts and feelings have many different colours, but the myriad of hues of our existence blend together, and this mix ignites us, shapes us and gives us inspiration”. This idea is brought to life in the institute’s main hall as the paintings come together to form an interactive, emotional and powerful whole.
The recurring round shapes in the paintings are reminiscent of the Olympic rings, while striking shades of orange remind us of the Olympic flame and its collective power. Bold brushstrokes add movement to the works as for Susi, movement is a way to transcend boundaries, imagine new realities and make the impossible possible.
In her paintings, Susi celebrates the host of the 2024 Olympics: the ecstasy of Paris in summer is evoked in the gently flowing emerald-green Seine, lavish bouquets bursting with colour and softly shimmering limestone that lends the city its distinctive powdery hues of apricot and coffee cream. Pausing in the face of beauty and appreciating the moment together is key for Susi who says: “It is not the wins or losses that matter most, but learning and being in the here and now.”
Nanna Susi (1967) is a graduate of the Academy of Fine Arts in Finland who works between Rome and Helsinki. In 2000, she was awarded Young Artist of the Year in Finland. Ever since, her large-scale, colourful and emotionally rich paintings have been exhibited widely around Finland and internationally.
The exhibition is curated by Krista Mikkola.
Artist’s webpage: NANNA SUSI