Feb 25 • 08:31 UTC 🇫🇮 Finland Yle Uutiset

"They pity other families" - In Tove Jansson's family life, art was everything

The exhibition 'Artist Family Jansson' at the Helsinki Art Museum offers a unique insight into the life of Tove Jansson and her artistic family.

The exhibition 'Artist Family Jansson' presents a new perspective on the life and work of Tove Jansson, the beloved creator of the Moomins and one of Finland's most cherished artists. This marks a shift in focus from Tove Jansson herself to the entire Jansson family, consisting of talented artists who shared a deep passion for art. The exhibition explores how art was not only a way of life for the five-member, bohemian family but also an essential means of livelihood.

The Jansson family's dedication to the arts is illustrated through their collaborative efforts and the influence of each member on one another's work. They were recognized as one of the most significant artist families in Finnish art history, particularly because every member engaged in artistic endeavors. Lotta Kjellberg, a public engagement planner at the Helsinki Art Museum, emphasizes their deep connection to art, noting that they felt pity for families who did not share a similar passion, highlighting the integral role art played in their lives.

Tove Jansson’s mother, Signe "Ham" Hammarsten Jansson, a Swedish-born graphic artist, significantly impacted her daughter's success. The exhibition delves into this maternal influence, showing how it nurtured Tove's acclaimed career as both an artist and a writer. The narrative of the Jansson family as a collective of artists who thrived together serves as an inspiration and cultural reflection of Finland's artistic legacy.

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