Generation 2026 – the new exhibition at Amos Rex offers a glimpse into young people’s concerns and dreams

Amos Rex invites media representatives to view the exhibition Generation 2026 at 10:00–12:00 on Tuesday, 12 May 2026. Interviews with the artists are booked in advance by e-mail, no later than 15:00 on 11 May. 

The fourth edition of the Generation triennial provides an unfiltered overview of a young generation’s thoughts, challenges, and dreams through art. The exhibition brings together 50 artists and collectives born between 2001 and 2008, many of whom are exhibiting publicly for the first time. They blur the boundaries between traditional art genres and invite us to confront the most pressing social issues of our time. The exhibition runs from 13 May to 6 September 2026. 

“Amos Rex has a special relationship with young people, both as visitors and as artists. Generation is an exhibition that shows our commitment to show the work of young artists on the biggest stage possible. The works are extraordinary, giving a view of how young people will express themselves in the future and of their concerns, interests, passions and attitudes to their lives,” says museum director Kieran Long. 

The Generation artists explore identity, community, and belonging, while questioning norms and power structures through works in many different art forms, including ones rarely seen in art museums. The works address themes this generation is very familiar with: being forced to confront oneself, being deliberately unwelcome in a place, and being exhausted by the uncertainty that defines our time. 

“The artists approach themes that concern all of us with admirable courage and honesty, in an open and even humorous way. The exhibition takes us from questioning power structures to searching for belonging and acceptance, to visions of the future, and finally to new interpretations of roots, personal starting points, and shared traditions. In this fragmented and uncertain time, it feels more important than ever to listen to young people and to strengthen their voices,” says curator Inna Schwanck. 

The exhibition combines traditional art forms, such as an installation made of wool, with new innovative technologies. Works include a macabre video game about souls who failed in life, a 3D-printed horse as part of an interactive installation, a six-meter-wide projection that responds to movement, and an active performing arts program created by eight different artists. 

The exhibition’s curator is Inna Schwanck, with Elsa Hessle as assistant curator. 

The artists in Generation 2026 are: 
Snowdrop Áine-Fae Belmont | Duc Anh (Ducky) Cong & Nguyet Minh Hoang | Erial Dolores | Tara Haikka | Aarne Heikura | Rosa Helenius | Rauha Helin | Eeli Hilme | Eino Intosalmi | Eevi Kaila | Elli Kavén| Tekla Kokkonen | Paavo Kärki | Konsta Laaksosaari | Emilia Lehikoinen | Hafsa Mahamed | Stanislava Ovchinnikova | Sofia Parland & Erix Aboltins | Lena Patta | Veera Pelkonen | Arvi Penttilä | Aarni Pieski, Eeva Airavaara, Lilja Kervinen & Lucian Lovén | Gabriella Presnal | Iiris Itäkannas, Elsa Kerava, Joanna Linnapuomi, Esteri Punin & Aaro Uusitalo | Ly Rahtu | Rafael Rainti | Viola Rauta | Tapio Rokkonen | Elli Roth | Lari Rouvinen | Oiva Rytkönen | melissa Sende | Nóra Somos | Taika Sorjonen | Alva Strang & Rafael Denisov | Leo Terävä & Aliina Kemppainen | tibs | Vilma Tietäväinen | Aura Tiira | Veikka “pvp” Toivari | Sani Tolonen | Victoria Torboli | Siiri Torvinen | Siiri Turpeinen | Johan Urrutia | Iida Viio | Sofia Vuorenmaa | Helmi Westerlund | xyny | Mira Özdemir

The exhibition is a cornerstone of Amos Rex’s program and anchors the museum’s long-term commitment to presenting young art and engaging young audiences. As part of this work, Amos Rex published in March a Gen Z study conducted in collaboration with the strategy agency Noren, examining how young people strengthen their resilience in an unpredictable world. 

The Generation artists are supported by the Amos Anderson Fund, founder and owner of Amos Rex. The exhibition’s other partners are Nuori taide and Tero Saarinen Company.

Art is what we turn to when words and thoughts are not enough to understand ourselves. 
— Erial Dolores, Generation 2026 artist

Press images: media.amosrex.fi