Lars-Gunnar Nordström

Lars-Gunnar ‘Nubben’ Nordström (1924–2014) was a pioneer of abstract art in Finland. His close contacts with the art scenes in the Nordic countries as well in Paris and New York made Nordström’s career also internationally noteworthy. In addition to art, jazz music was a great passion of his. On these pages you can find information about Nordström’s art, his life and the foundation that bears his name.

"Lars-Gunnar Nordström played a special role in the frenetic art world of the 1950s. That is entirely due to his abstract art. He painted distinct geometric forms, repeating modules, flat surfaces of colour that almost look industrial, and organised them into skilful compositions that emphasise structure and rhythm. Nordström’s uniqueness was also linked to his aspirations: to strive for the monumental and to work from an architect’s perspective. His origin was also special – Nordström was from Finland."

Serge Lemoine (2015), Professor Emeritus at École du Louvre and the Sorbonne.

Nubben 100

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Experiments in Concretism

EMMA
06/03/2024—23/02/2025

The exhibition places a special focus on the various ways in which contemporary art reinterprets and comments on modernism. It also celebrates the 100th anniversary of the birth of Lars-Gunnar ‘Nubben’ Nordström (1924–2014), by presenting a pick of works associated with this pioneer of Finnish concretism and geometrical abstractionism.

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The exhibition will focus on Nubben’s early work; works from the 1940s and 1950.

Ateneum, Helsinki - Fokus Gallery
27/08/2024—24/11/2024

The exhibition will focus on Nubben’s early work; works from the 1940s and 1950s; and the development of his full-on abstract expression

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Lars-Gunnar Nordström: Centenary

GALLERIE FORSBLOM
23/08/2024—22/09/2024

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of Lars-Gunnar Nordström (1924–2014), a pioneer of Finnish post-war abstract art. To mark the occasion of the centenary, Galerie Forsblom takes pride in presenting an exhibition spanning many decades of his career.

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Dynamic Dimension – Nubben 100 years

Kunsthalle, Helsinki
27/03/2024—19/05/2024

In honour of his centenary year, Kunsthalle Helsinki will exhibit the full wide range of the prolific artist's lifework, from early figurative creations to the very last works.

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I feel, for now

Amos Rex, Mannerheimintie 22–24, 00100 Helsinki
27/03/2024—08/09/2024

The large, wide-ranging exhibition I feel, for now, will show works from the collection made by more than 70 artists from the 1960s up to the present.

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NUBBEN 60’s

Galleria 68, Hämeentie 68, 00550 Helsinki
11/04/2024—26/05/2024

Nordström's serigraphs from the 1960s, the period that can be considered his most artistically original and strongest during the season.

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Lars-Gunnar Nordström graphic art

Taidekeskus Salmela, Mäntyharjuntie 25, Mäntyharju
08/06/2024—11/08/2024

As a tribute to the artist's life's work, Salmela is exhibiting a diverse collection of Nordström's graphic art.

Latest updates

News 23/01/2025

GALERIE FORSBLOM

Group exhibition
January 17–February 16, 2025

Galerie Forsblom will kick off the year 2025 with a group exhibition featuring works by the gallery’s esteemed artists. This carefully curated showcase will highlight a dynamic interplay between past and present, bringing together a selection of older, iconic works and brand-new creations from the leading figures in our artistic roster. The exhibition aims to provide visitors with a comprehensive look at the evolving trajectories of these renowned artists, celebrating their diverse styles, mediums, and perspectives. It promises to be an inspiring start to the year, offering both a reflection on artistic legacies and a glimpse into the exciting future of contemporary art.

News 09/02/2024

EMMA receives artworks by Elina Autio commissioned by L-G Nordström Foundation

The L-G Nordström Foundation commissioned two works from artist Elina Autio and donated them to the Collection of EMMA – Espoo Museum of Modern Art. The newly completed works will be on display in the Experiments in Concretism exhibition. Opening in March, the show celebrates the 100th anniversary of the birth of Lars-Gunnar ‘Nubben’ Nordström (1924–2014), a pioneer of Finnish concretism.

News 03/01/2023

Works to be displayed in an art silo in Norway

A new art museum, Kunstsilo, will open in Norway’s Kristiansand in 2023 in a grain silo originally built in 1934. The building’s modifications will be designed by Mestres Wåge Arquitectes and MX_SI Architectural Studio. The museum will house the collection of the Norwegian art collector Nicolai Tangen. It is known as the world’s largest private Nordic collection of modern art. It includes a representative selection of Nordström’s works.

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