The sea is constant on the Finnish coastline and in the archipelagos. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the sea offered livelihood, profession and a thoroughfare. At the same time, sea was also unpredictable and could take away as fast as it had given.
The sea was also a symbol of movement and change. Ships transported goods and people, as well as new thoughts, ideas and influences. Throughout centuries, waterways have connected Finland to the Baltic region, continental Europe and even more faraway lands. Slowly beside the small fisher communities grew larger towns and cities with buzzing ports and multicultural and -lingual atmosphere.
The exhibition, curated by art historian Tuija Peltomaa, displays art works from 1850s to 1950s. The exhibition is organised in collaboration with the Association of the Finnish Fine Art Foundations (STSY) and Vaasa City Museums.
The Association of the Finnish Fine Art Foundations, STSY, was founded in 2006. The members of the association are Alfred Kordelin Foundation, the Fortum Art Foundation, the Gösta Serlachius Fine Arts Foundation, Signe and Ane Gyllenberg Foundation, Art Foundation Merita, UPM-Kymmene Cultural Foundation and The Foundation for Åbo Akademi University. The newest member, the OP Art Foundation, joined in 2018.