A pioneer of Finnish graphic art, Pentti Kaskipuro (1930–2010) was also a respected teacher and was known as Master K. The exhibition offers a cross-section of his graphic art, showcasing pieces from the 1950s to the 2000s, and is based on the Sara Hildén Foundation's collection. It includes almost 180 of the artist's key works.
Still life became the main theme of Kaskipuro's art, which he worked on until the end of his career. He found his subjects in his immediate surroundings, often on the kitchen table. He used light and shadow to emphasise their form. In this way, he distanced them from their surroundings, giving his works a dimension that transcended everyday life. The minimalist compositions draw attention to small details, making the works appear larger than their subject matter.
Over time, Kaskipuro moved from still lifes to more mysterious mental landscapes, dreamlike images and scenic spaces where the still life aspect is only visible in the limited focus on a few objects.
Silence characterises Kaskipuro's still lifes, which are based on the small, intimate scale typical of graphic art. "Silence is important, and I strive for the intensity associated with it," he said of his work. Kaskipuro's works offer viewers the opportunity to experience a silence that elevates them above everyday life.
Kaskipuro is one of Finland's most internationally renowned graphic artists. He represented Finland at the Venice Biennale in 1964. He received the Pro Finlandia Medal in 1971 and the Prince Eugen Medal in 1974. In 1990, he was awarded the title of professor.
To coincide with the exhibition, a publication showcasing Pentti Kaskipuro's work will be released, featuring expert articles by Erkki Anttonen (PhD), a docent of art history at the University of Helsinki, and Päivi Loimaala (FL), a former director of the art museum. The publication includes a comprehensive Catalogue Raisonné of Pentti Kaskipuro's works in the Sara Hildén Foundation's collection.
Pentti Kaskipuro, 10 January–19 April 2026, Sara Hildén Art Museum.
