Villa Gyllenberg to feature long-forgotten Finnish artist at autumn exhibition, 13.9.2023–14.1.2024

Inspiration from travels and Antiquity

The exhibition traces von Hausen's life and work in France, Egypt, Italy, the Netherlands and the Nordic countries. His landscape paintings depict both the nature of the North and the bright colours and brilliant light of the Mediterranean. His interest in the Antiquity is manifested in paintings of ruins and works that reproduce ancient art. In his antimodern and classical art, von Hausen sought eternal truth.

A central theme of the new exhibition is the friendships and networks that von Hausen created with numerous Finnish and foreign artists, such as Émile Bernard, Ivan Aguéli and Bruno Aspelin, as well as the influence of his Norwegian-born wife. Many of his works depict the artist's family or their living environment, and the exhibition also presents comparison works by von Hausen’s friends and the artists who influenced him.

Artist colony and roots in Kauniainen

Werner von Hausen built one of the first villas in Kauniainen at the beginning of the 20^th century and was also involved in the local artist and writer colony. The exhibition highlights the architecture and interior design of his villa and its studio. The versatile von Hausen also designed furniture and graphic art prints. In addition, he worked as an art teacher for many years in Kauniainen and at the Finnish Society of Crafts and Design.

The exhibition is curated by art historian Laura Gutman, who has studied Werner von Hausen for several years. A richly illustrated magazine authored by Gutman will be published in connection with the exhibition.

The exhibition Werner von Hausen - A Forgotten Classic has been supported by Svenska kulturfonden, Faro-säätiö and the City of Kauniainen.  

Press conference at Villa Gyllenberg on Thursday 7th September 2023 at 11 a.m.