Emma Talbot’s colourful, poetic silk paintings arrive at HAM

Emma Talbot (b. 1969, UK) is an internationally acclaimed artist whose works have appeared in recent years in major museums and exhibitions worldwide. She is best known for her large silk paintings, with vivid imagery and handwritten text weaving distinctive narratives across the fabric.

At HAM, her large silk paintings, textile sculptures and animation come together in an immersive installation where humans, animals, and other life forms share the same space. In Talbot’s works, humans stand neither above nature nor at the centre of the world. Instead, we are part of the web of life that surrounds us.

“Emma Talbot is one of the most compelling contemporary artists working today. She is an exceptional storyteller who combines drawing, painting and text to create a distinctive visual language. Her works arise from personal experiences, but quickly grow into questions that concern us all,” says Kati Kivinen, the exhibition’s curator and Head of Exhibitions at HAM.

In her practice, Talbot explores humanity’s complex relationship with nature in an era shaped by the climate crisis, biodiversity loss and rapid technological change. Drawing is the foundation of her practice and a vital tool for thought. Her large silk paintings, textile works and animations all grow from it.

Emma Talbot: You Are Not the Centre also marks HAM Helsinki Art Museum’s 50th anniversary. In 2026, HAM celebrates 50 years since the museum opened in a newly completed building in Helsinki’s Meilahti district. In 1976, the Leonard and Katarina Bäcksbacka Collection – the heart of the museum’s collection – was donated to the City of Helsinki. The museum will celebrate its anniversary in particular on Friday 27 November, when admission to HAM will be free. 

The exhibition You Are Not the Centre features 12 works by Emma Talbot. The combined width of the silk paintings exceeds 62 metres.

Produced with support from the Finnish Heritage Agency.

The exhibition is curated by HAM’s Head of Exhibitions Kati Kivinen.

About the artist

Emma Talbot (b. 1969) is a British contemporary artist who lives and works in London and Reggio Emilia, Italy. Talbot won the prestigious Max Mara Art Prize for Women in 2020, and her works were featured in The Milk of Dreams, the main exhibition of the 2022 Venice Biennale. In recent years, her works have been exhibited at venues such as Copenhagen Contemporary, Arnolfini in Bristol, EMST in Athens, the New Museum in New York and the Whitechapel Gallery in London.

At the same time, the exhibition Leena Luostarinen – Misfit will open in HAM’s other arched hall. The exhibitions will be opened on 8 October by Minister of Science and Culture Mari-Leena Talvitie.

Media invitation

Members of the media are warmly invited to preview two exhibitions opening simultaneously in HAM’s grand ached halls: Emma Talbot: You Are Not the Centre and Leena Luostarinen – Misfit on Thursday, 8 October, from 10 to 11 am.

Venue: HAM Helsinki Art Museum, Eteläinen Rautatiekatu 8, Helsinki

RSVP by Tuesday, 6 October, 2:00 pm: anna.vihanta@hamhelsinki.fi