Kim Somervuori’s third exhibition at Gallery Halmetoja consists of paintings on canvas of various sizes and a series of smaller works combining painting and collage techniques. Somervuori paints in a liberated way, with surfaces that are layered and breathable. He is also no stranger to decorative elements, using them skilfully to challenge modernist traditions. At the same time, however, this is done in a respectful way. For example, the visible drawing line in the works links stylistically to the expression of the modernist masters.
Cultural references have always been his forte, but they have become more and more profound. The exhibition, called sketchbook, not only lets the viewer get close to the painting but also to the starting points of Somervuori’s visual thinking. The openness of the exhibition is impressive.