Inspiration – Iconic Works was collaboration between Nationalmuseum and Ateneum Art Museum, Finnish National Gallery, Helsinki. How have international contemporary artists been inspired by the classics of European art? And why is it these works, in particular, that have become known around the world? Inspiration – Iconic Works presented art that draws inspiration from iconic masterpieces, created by today’s contemporary artists.

At Ateneum, Helsinki, the exhibition was called Inspiration – Contemporary Art & Classics.

The building blocks of the visual DNA of Western art can be traced back to a number of iconic works, so called signature pieces that have strong relevance in today’s world from the sculptures of antiquity to Mona Lisa and Auguste Rodin’s The Thinker– just to mention some of the examples. Interestingly, the art historical narrative was shaped hand in hand with the collection and display practices of 19th century museums in Europe and these signature pieces play a leading role in the story of art no matter if we look at the earliest art historical publications or the latest versions on the same issue.

Inspiration – Iconic Works told the story of the signature works: what they were, where they emerged and why and how they have influenced the contemporary art scene. Another aspect of the exhibition addressed the significance of the museum buildings, for example through a series of contemporary photographic interpretations by Ola Kolehmainen, a Finnish artist based in Berlin. The museum buildings are also part of the story.

The exhibition featured works by artists such as Marina Abramović, Jake and Dinos Chapman, Nancy Fouts, Mark Karasick, Sara Masüger, Kiki Smith and Yinka Shonibare.

The collections In dialogue with the contemporary art

The exhibition also featured works from a the vast collections of the two museums.

In collaboration

This exhibition was originally on show at the Nationalmuseum in Stockholm in spring 2020, and its main curators are Susanna Pettersson and James Putnam. At the Ateneum Art Museum, the exhibition is curated by the museum director, Marja Sakari, and the chief curator, Sointu Fritze. It was on display at The Ateneum Art Museum, Helsinki, June 18 juni–September 20, 2020.

A major publication, edited by Dr. Susanna Pettersson accompanies the exhibition.

Nancy Fouts The Thinker (after Rodin/Degas), 2014, 2014 Bronze and gauze. Nancy Fouts’ Private Collection. © Nancy Fouts. Photo: Dominic Lee.

Laokoon, unknown artist

Anna Riwkin, Anna as Nefertiti, c 1930/2004. Silver gelatin print. Moderna Museet, Stockholm. © Anna Riwkin.

Joseph Kosuth, Cathexis #53 (series 1981), 2019. Framed black and white photograph with coloured X's applied to the surface. 203 x 151.2 x 5.5 cm Courtesy of the Artist. Image: Neonlauro..

Pietro Perugino, S:t Sebastian, painted in 1485, approximately, oil on canvas (transferred from wooden panel). Nationalmuseum.

Yinka Shonibare, Medusa West, 2015. Digital chromogenic print. © Yinka Shonibare CBE. Courtesy James Cohan, New York.

Henrik Jonsson, Chapter 1 - Self-Chosen Exile, 2010 Plaster. © Henrik Jonsson.

Pieter Bruegel the younger, Winter Landscape with Skaters and a Bird Trap. Oil on wood. Nationalmuseum.

Ola Kohlemainen, MVSEVM XIII (Victoria and Albert Museum), 2020. © Ola Kohlemainen.

Marie-Philippe Coupin de la Couperie, Raphael Adjusts Fornarina’s Hair Before Painting her Portrait. Painted in 1824, oil on canvas. Nationalmuseum.