The Helsinki School - A New Approach

30 by TaiK

Finnish art photography is one of the most successful items of cultural export in Europe. Now, for the first time, the internationally acknowledged artists are gathered together in their home country, at the Finnish Museum of Photography at the Cable Factory.

The extensive exhibition of photography "30 by TaiK" presents works from over 30 different artists who have been studying or teaching at TaiK, the University of Art and Design in Helsinki. At the same time, three new Masters of Arts graduated from the department of Photography show their work.

The concept of "The Helsinki School" is not defined by a specific discipline, nationality or geographic region. It represents an approach, a way of thinking that has evolved out of a process of teaching at the University of Art and Design, where each generation is given the chance to invent themselves.

The University of Art and Design through its Professional Studies program (Gallery Taik) takes its most promising MA photography students, postgraduates and teachers into the international art fair circuit. This approach has raised the standard of criticism and served the purpose of introducing the chosen artists into the international forum. The program was designed by Timothy Persons and has been functioning since 1995.

The 30 by TaiK exhibition will continue in Kulturhuset in Stockholm in January 2005 and in the Fotofest festival Berlin in September 2005. It will also include a large website and in 2005 a book. The curators of the exhibition are Timothy Persons and Jorma Puranen.