The World of Hugo Simberg

Hugo Simberg is one of the most important artists of Finnish symbolism. Myths, fairy tales and imagination gave Simberg a new artistic language. It made it possible to express difficult and complex ideas as well as emotions. Although sometimes stylistically naive, Simberg’s works are not singilar in their explination, but contain multiple interlocking levels and layers of interpretation.

This unique VR exhibition presents Simberg’s light-sensitive, paper-based gouache paintings, which are subject to many limitations when displayed in a traditional exhibition space. The works were created in the late 1890s during Simberg’s early career as an artist, when he stayed in Ruovesi studying under Akseli Gallen-Kallela and travelled to London, Paris and Italy.

The exhibition is a significant step forward for the Finnish National Gallery, introducing innovative methods to share our collection with the public. The virtual environment allows the details of small-scale original works to be viewed at a much larger size and presented in an environment that does not follow the laws of the physical world. In other words, it is possible to provide an experiential space for the exhibition that draws on Simberg’s imaginative world. The World of Hugo Simberg is an enchanting journey that sweeps you away.