This extensive exhibition of the work of Pentti Kaskipuro, a Finnish graphic art master, offers a unique opportunity to explore his artistic production from the 1950s through to the 2000s.
During his long career, Pentti Kaskipuro (1930–2010) developed his own distinctive style, combining everyday subjects with precise graphic techniques. He is particularly renowned for his still life works. The exhibition will present Kaskipuro’s artistic journey, from figures and landscapes to still lifes and finally to entire interiors and views.
Kaskipuro began his career with portraits and landscapes, after which he focused on still lifes. He drew his main subjects from his immediate surroundings, especially from his kitchen table: onions, turnips, potatoes, bread, fish, mushrooms, and other foodstuffs, as well as household objects. In his detailed drypoint and aquatint works, Kaskipuro drew attention to the greatness of small things.
At times, his still life subjects expanded into entire interiors and vistas. Over time, Kaskipuro’s everyday themes took on an almost metaphysical dimension, rising above ordinary reality and revealing surrealistic tones. The works are based on strong contrasts in different shades of black, white, and gray. “Light and shadow are the most important effects for me. With their different shades, they ultimately form the most essential element in all my works,” Kaskipuro has characterized.
Kaskipuro was a pioneer and significant influence in Finnish graphic art, both as a self-taught artist and a respected teacher, who was also known as Master K. Kaskipuro is one of the most internationally renowned Finnish graphic artists, who participated extensively in exhibitions both at home and abroad and was awarded prizes at many international graphic art exhibitions.
The exhibition at the Sara Hildén Art Museum and the accompanying publication aim to open up new perspectives on Kaskipuro’s work. They encourage visitors to examine their immediate surroundings and explore the themes of the artist’s work. The museum also aims to open up a new perspective on Sara Hildén’s living legacy.
Kaskipuro was one of the artists followed by Sara Hildén. Later, the collection was supplemented with works donated by the artist.
