Samuli Heimonen and Salka Ritva Karela

Samuli Heimonen - Many Possible Paths

While moving his studio, Samuli Heimonen discovered works he had no memory of keeping. The earliest date from 1996-1998, his years as a student at the University of Industrial Arts - some are course assignments already bearing his distinctive hand, others early paintings from his first group exhibitions in Helsinki. Most of the works have been shown at most once before; some are now on display for the first time.

The exhibition also includes pieces Heimonen created solely for himself and preserved because they held something special. From these seeds later grew entire themes and exhibition series - yet the original work often remains outside the series, a curiosity. The exhibition spans a long period from his student days to recent years, and Heimonen himself describes it more as a group show than a small retrospective: the works are varied and scattered.

Samuli Heimonen's artist talk takes place on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at 6 p.m.

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Salka Ritva Karela - Remembered Landscapes

Salka Ritva Karela describes her work as a journey into the unknown: the landscape emerges slowly, piece by piece, and she does not know where a work will lead when she begins it. Only when the finished work stands before her does she recognize the place - somewhere she has been and felt deeply.

Sometimes multiple landscapes merge into a whole as memories and emotions blend together. People and animals occasionally wander into the images, but Karela is most interested in season, time of day, light, and weather.

The exhibition is organized by the Friends of Saarijärvi Museum.