Art Cave

Pauno Pohjolainen’s life’s work in the new ART CAVE! Kuopio’s wartime cave is transformed into a unique exhibition space as an exhibition spanning the life’s work of Kuopio-based sculptor Pauno Pohjolainen fills its rough walls. The rock cave provides an evocative setting for works from 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 strong influence of Savo’s craft tradition. Apart from his years studying at the Finnish Academy of Fine Arts, the acclaimed sculptor has created his entire body of work in his home region, in Kuopio. He is especially known for his painted wooden sculptures and striking public works. Among Pohjolainen’s distinctions are 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 every month from 3–6 pm. Guided visits for groups of 10–30 are also available by arrangement; contact pauno.pohjolainen@gmail.com. Taideluola is located at Kajastuspolku 3, right next to Luola, the Savilahti Sports and Event Centre. There is a parking area in front of Taideluola. Come and experience how wood, colour and stone meet! The artist couple, the Pohjolainens, will be there in person to share the background and stories behind the works. The small museum shop offers a variety of suitable gifts. A warm welcome!