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."
Nubben 100
Experiments in Concretism
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.
The exhibition will focus on Nubben’s early work; works from the 1940s and 1950.
The exhibition will focus on Nubben’s early work; works from the 1940s and 1950s; and the development of his full-on abstract expression
Lars-Gunnar Nordström: Centenary
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.
Dynamic Dimension – Nubben 100 years
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.
I feel, for now
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.
NUBBEN 60’s
Nordström's serigraphs from the 1960s, the period that can be considered his most artistically original and strongest during the season.
Lars-Gunnar Nordström graphic art
As a tribute to the artist's life's work, Salmela is exhibiting a diverse collection of Nordström's graphic art.
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Our Land, for All
Kunsthalle Helsinki 20.3. – 17.5.2026
The 20th anniversary exhibition of the Association of Finnish Fine Arts Foundations
Our Land, for All celebrates the 20th anniversary of the Association of Finnish Fine Arts Foundations. The exhibition brings together art and fashion, exploring how personal and national identities have been shaped across different eras. It highlights how values, body ideals, clothing, and our relationship with nature influence and challenge cultural imagery and national narratives.
Our Land, for All makes room for a wide range of voices and viewpoints, inviting visitors to consider whose stories “Finland” is built from, and who it belongs to.
The exhibition features Finnish classics beloved by many, rarely seen contemporary artworks, new acquisitions by the foundations, and contemporary fashion.
The exhibition celebrates the capacity of art and fashion to tell, imagine, and build an open and shared Finland. The curator is Annamari Vänskä, PhD, Docent.
The Association of Finnish Fine Arts Foundations consists of ten Finnish art foundations. Its aim is to promote the appreciation and study of art and to organise nationwide exhibitions where audiences can encounter collections ranging from the 1500s to the present day.
Member foundations: Alfred Kordelin Foundation, Amos Anderson Fund, Fortum Art Foundation, Lönnström Art Museum, Nordea Art Foundation Finland, OP Pohjola Art Foundation sr, Pro Artibus Foundation, Signe & Ane Gyllenberg Foundation, UPM-Kymmene Cultural Foundation, Åbo Akademi University Foundation
Artists and designers:
Henni Alftan, Ville Andersson, Petri Ala-Maunus, Göran Augustson, Niran Baibulat, Kenneth Bamberg, Juhana Blomstedt, Rut Bryk, Birger Carlstedt, Kari Cáven, Alvar Cawén, Marcus Collin, Maria Duncker, Albert Edelfelt, Saara Ekström, Carolus Enckell, Magnus Enckell , Rabbe Enckell, Cris af Enehielm, Antti Favén, Leonora Fredriksson, Akseli Gallen-Kallela, Susanne Gottberg, Pekka Halonen, Petra Innanen, Kalle Hamm & Dzamil Kamanger, Eero Järnefelt, Arto Korhonen, Kristian Krokfors, Irma Kukkasjärvi, Jarmo Kukkonen, Vilho Lampi, Maija Lavonen, Laura Lilja, Robert Lucander, Megafån, Ernst Mether-Borgström, Lars-Gunnar Nordström, Yrjö Ollila, Restlessminds, Tuulikki Pietilä, Hans Rosenström, Pekka Ryynänen, Janne Räisänen, Nastja Säde Rönkkö, Santeri Salokivi, Helene Schjerfbeck, Jaakko Sievänen, Wilho Sjöström, Greta Skogster-Lehtinen, Joel Slotte, Magnus Strandberg, Ann Sundholm, Reidar Särestöniemi, Kain Tapper, Ellen Thesleff, Pauliina Turakka-Purhonen, Eva Törnwall-Collin, Camilla Vuorenmaa, Viggo Wallensköld, Tapio Wirkkala, Maria Wolfram
Dusty, ensæmble, The Finnish National Romance Museum, Klaus Haapaniemi & Co, Nilla Heikkilä, Jenny Hytönen, Sofia Ilmonen, Antrea Kantakoski and Emilia Kuurila, Juslin Maunula, Latimmier, Miun, Autuas Ukkonen, Tilda Wallius, Juha Vehmaanperä, Jere Vilo, Arttu Åfeldt
The L-G Nordström Foundation donates sculpture to the Nordic House
The Nordic House is pleased to announce the generous donation of a steel sculpture by the L-G Nordström Foundation. The donation strengthens the Nordic House’s commitment to Nordic art and supporting artistic exchange across the region. The Nordic House in Reykjavík operates under the Nordic Council of Ministers and has been a vital cultural bridge between Iceland and the other Nordic countries since 1968. Designed by renowned Finnish architect Alvar Aalto, the institution hosts a dynamic year-round program focused on art, literature, and contemporary societal issues in the Nordic region. The Nordic House also hosts a wide set of diverse cultural activities and events, including discussions, seminars, festivals, and collaborative artistic projects.
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.
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