In June 2026, the sculpture exhibition Growth opens in the garden of Kultaranta in Naantali, the summer residence of the President of the Republic of Finland. The exhibition explores themes of personal growth, the vitality of nature, and the connection and coexistence between humans and the natural world.
The Alfred Kordelin Foundation and the Office of the President of the Republic of Finland have organised sculpture exhibitions in the Kultaranta Garden since 2011. From 2026, the exhibition is produced in collaboration with WAM Museum of Contemporary Art.
Five artists working with acid-resistant steel and ceramics
The exhibition features five Finnish artists: Tarja Malinen, Umppa Niinivaara, Henna Nuutinen, Kimmo Schroderus, and Kim Simonsson.
The sculptures are made of acid-resistant steel, and ceramics in a variety of techniques. Placed within the living environment of the garden, the works open a dialogue between nature and mankind – a space of growth, renewal, and connection. The exhibition invites visitors to pause and reflect on how we might live more sustainably in the future.
Artists
Kimmo Schroderus (b. 1970) is known for large-scale, futuristic sculptures in acid-resistant steel. He studied at the Academy of Fine Arts in Helsinki and the Royal University College of Fine Arts in Stockholm. He received the prestigious Ars Fennica Award in 2004. Schroderus lives and works in Salo.
Tarja Malinen (b. 1961) creates works addressing young people’s experiences of loneliness and concern for the future, as well as advocating for children’s rights. She graduated from North Karelia University of Applied Sciences and completed a master’s degree at LAB University of Applied Sciences. Malinen lives and works in Joensuu.
Umppa Niinivaara (b. 1970) makes ceramic sculptures inspired by nature, with organic shapes and textured surfaces. She earned her degree in visual arts from the Turku School of Fine Arts and completed a Master of Arts degree at the Winchester School of Art. Niinivaara lives and works in Karuna, Sauvo.
Henna Nuutinen (b. 1990) creates ceramic sculptures drawing on the sea, cliffs, and dark forests. Responsibility and biodiversity are central values in her practice. She earned a degree in design at South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences and a Master of Arts degree from Aalto University. Nuutinen lives and works in Lahti.
Kim Simonsson (b. 1974) is known for mystical sculptures of children and animals, coated in varied shades and textures. Many of his works on display at Kultaranta are being shown for the first time. Simonsson earned a Master of Arts degree from the School of Arts and Design Helsinki. He was selected as Young Artist of the Year in 2004. Simonsson lives and works in Fiskars.
The exhibition is curated by Maria Huokkola of WAM Museum of Contemporary Art. This is the first sculpture exhibition produced for Kultaranta by WAM, and the first in a three-part series of annual exhibitions.
Visit and tickets: Guided tours of Kultaranta run from 2 June to 30 August: Tuesday–Sunday in Finnish, and Thursdays in Swedish. English-language tours are available as part of the Finnish tours on Fridays at 13:00. The garden is open with free admission on Fridays from 18:00 to 20:00. Themed tours focusing on the sculpture exhibition are also available. Up-to-date information: Visit Naantali.