Hämeenlinna Art Museum’s exhibition brings artworks to life through film

Opening 21 November, the exhibition presents cinematic interpretations of gems from the Hämeenlinna Art Museum's collection, constructing stories around the works. The works and the short films they inspired are displayed side by side in the space, surrounded by sets.

Film students selected works of art from the art museum's collection to inspire their coursework. Based on these, the students' multidisciplinary production teams conceived and produced short films, audio works, and scripts for the exhibition. 

As part of the collaboration project, Aalto University's Department of Film organized its first exhibition design course in the spring of 2025. The lecturers on the course were designers specialized in exhibitions, renowned artists, and art museum staff. 

The students on the course designed an experiential, theatrical environment for the exhibition.

The works selected from the Hämeenlinna Art Museum's collection for the short films included Wilho Sjöström's Tanssijatar (Dancer, 1912), Severin Falkman's Morsian (Bride, 1878), and Arvo Makkonen's Ragnar Ekelund maalaa (Ragnar Ekelund Paints, 1917).

The exhibition also features new works by Jukka Korkeila (b. 1968) and Kari Vehosalo (b. 1982). Their works bring together contemporary art and film, creating a multifaceted dialogue of influences, narratives, and modes of presentation.

The Hämeenlinna Art Museum and Aalto University's Department of Film ELO have collaborated on this exhibition between 2021 and 2025. The exhibition has been supported by the Kone Foundation. Thanks go also to Angel Films, Genelec, and Vallila, for their support.

Kehyskertomuksia: 24 fps / Reframing Cinema exhibition is open from 21 November 2025 to 3 May 2026 at the Hämeenlinna Art Museum (Viipurintie 2, Hämeenlinna).

Watch the short film Tanssijatar (The Dancer)