Mikael Stierncreutz - retrospective exhibition

Year 2027, a comprehensive retrospective exhibition of Mikael Stierncreutz (1936–1976) will be shown for the first time. The exhibition presents the artist’s entire extensive artistic production. In addition to paintings, paper-based works will also be on display, such as drawings, prints and collages. His life and career will also be highlighted through film clips and articles. 

Mikael Stierncreutz was a Finnish artist born in Helsinki. He was part of the young generation of artists who were influenced by American pop art during the 1960s and introduced it to the Finnish art scene. During the early 1960s he studied at the Free Art School and the Fine Arts Academy of Finland in Helsinki, as well as the Royal Danish Academy in Copenhagen. 

In his debut exhibition in 1966, Stierncreutz received a positive reception, with all of the works exhibited being sold. Later even Simo Kuntsi acquired three paintings from the debut exhibition for his collection, which will be included in this exhibition. His early work is clearly influenced by media and visual everyday culture. Mikael Stierncreutz died at the age of only 40. 

Mapping the artist’s production for the exhibition 

We are looking for works from both public and private collections for the exhibition. We are particularly looking for the following works: Fashion Show (Muotinäytös, 1965), Bottles (Pulloja, 1966), Two Nudes (Kaksi alastonta, 1965), Can (Tölkki, 1966), Archipelago Boys II (Saaristolaispojat II, 1968), Family Celebration (Hildur Pettersson’s Famliy) (Perhejuhlat (Hildur Petterssonin perhe), 1968) as well as Ballerina (1976), which may be the artist’s last ever work. We are particularly interested in works that were shown at the Pinx exhibition in 1966. 

If you would like to share information about the artist and his work, please contact Head of Exhibitions Maaria Salo, maaria.salo@vaasa.fi, 040 353 7377 and Exhibition Curator Janna Sirén, janna.siren@vaasa.fi, 040 530 3285. 

 

Mikael Stierncreutz. Fashion Show (Muotinäytös), 1965.

Mikael Stierncreutz. Bottles (Pulloja),1966.

Mikael Stierncreutz. Family Party (the Hildur Petterson Family) (Perhejuhla, Hildur Pettersonin perhe), 1968.

Mikael Stierncreutz. Ballerina, 1976.

Mikael Stierncreutz. Romanticised Self-portrait, 1966. The Kuntsi Foundation. Photo: Mikko Lehtimäki