More than just oldsters

The last time the Foundation’s donated art collection was presented was over 30 years ago in Turku Art Museum.

– The Åbo Akademi University Foundation is based on the donations it has received, and quite many of them have included art. The name of the exhibition, More than just oldsters, is based on the fact that a large part of the Foundation’s art collection consists of, in fact, older, influential men, who in one way or another have supported Åbo Akademi University or its foundation. In this exhibition we present these men as well as much else, promises Ulrika Grägg, the intendant for the Foundation’s art collection.

The Foundation’s art collection contains over 2000 works of art. Of them about 80 are in display in the exhibition, among others works from Albert Edelfelt, Victor Westerholm, Per Stenius and Jalmari Ruokokoski. Of the donators are, for example, J.W. Brummer, H.W. Donner, Karin Spoof, Ebba Aschan and Bo Hjelt. The paintings, sculptures and other works of art tell about the contents of the art collection as well as about the taste and interests of the donators. The thematic hanging of the art follows landscapes, portraits and still lifes, among others.