Art Cave

Pauno Pohjolainen’s life’s work in the new ART CAVE! Kuopio’s wartime cave is illuminated as a unique exhibition space, as an exhibition spanning the life’s work of Kuopio sculptor Pauno Pohjolainen takes over its rough walls. The rock cave provides an atmospheric setting for works spanning five decades of the artist’s career. Of the approximately 1,000 works stored in the cave, just over 200 are on display, from the early 1980s to the present day. Pohjolainen’s work bears the mark of a strong Savo craft tradition. With the exception of his years of study at the Finnish Academy of Fine Arts, the respected sculptor has created his entire body of work in his home region, based in Kuopio. He is best known for his painted wooden sculptures and striking public works. Pohjolainen’s distinctions include the Ars Fennica (1997) and Pro Finlandia (2005). Among Finnish contemporary artists, Pohjolainen is the only one to hold honorary membership in both the Finnish Sculptors’ Association and the Finnish Painters’ Union. The exhibition is open on the last Sunday of each month, 15:00–18:00. Guided visits can also be arranged for groups of 10–30; contact pauno.pohjolainen@gmail.com. The Art Cave is at Kajastuspolku 3, right next to Luola, the Savilahti sports and events centre. There is a parking area in front of the Art Cave. Come and experience wood, colour and stone coming together! The artist couple Pohjolainen will be there in person to share the background and stories behind the works. A small museum shop offers a varied selection of items suitable as gifts. A warm welcome!