COMING: Carnival – ITE Art at the Castle
What kind of art is created when life is self-made and art has no boundaries or desire to please? The ITE art exhibition at Häme Castle celebrates the Day of the False King in the spirit of medieval carnival traditions.
Works by approximately 25 ITE artists from across Finland have been selected for the exhibition. The works invite us to embrace differences and diversity through a variety of playful and carnivalesque means. The exhibition showcases self-taught artistry and original creativity.
ITE art can be described as contemporary visual folk art. The artists draw their material and themes from their own living environment and personal worldview.
The works in the exhibition are full of joy, the courage to try new things and the boldness to challenge the establishment. The laughter, mockery and criticism that are part of the carnivalesque tradition resonate particularly strongly at a time when freedom of speech and expression are being curtailed in many places.
The exhibition features works by Tyyne Esko, Enni Id, Joona Hamm / Löpöpunkki, Paula Huhtanen, Martti Hömppi, Marko Jääskeläinen, Jori Tapio Kalliola, Romurinsessa / Marjut Kauppinen, Juha Käkelä, Jari Rantanen, Egor Kuklin, Elisa Kärjä, Martta Korhonen, Mauri Korhonen, Esa Leppänen, Leena Nio, Petri Martikainen, Markku Sarastamo, Imppu Salminen, Pekka Salminen, Kaarina Staudinger‑Loppukaarre, Seppo Suomensyrjä, Ensio Tuppurainen, Jorma Pihl as well as the ITE Artist of the Year 2026, Jyri Rastas.
The exhibition showcases works from the collections of the Association for Rural Culture and Education and directly from the artists. The exhibition is produced by the National Museum of Finland and organised in collaboration with the Association for Rural Culture and Education.