Using architecture as a reference and source of inspiration, Finnish photographer Ola Kolehmainen has been questioning our way of looking at the world for most of his career.
Image 6 of 12 from gallery of Sketches of Spain: Hidden Spanish Architecture Through Ola Kolehmainen's Lenses. Ein Hauch III. Image © Ola Kolehmainen. Courtesy of the SENDA Gallery
Using architecture as a reference and source of inspiration, Finnish photographer Ola Kolehmainen has been questioning our way of looking at the world for most of his career.
Image 3 of 12 from gallery of Sketches of Spain: Hidden Spanish Architecture Through Ola Kolehmainen's Lenses. Red Staircase 2. Image © Ola Kolehmainen. Courtesy of the SENDA Gallery
Ola KOLEHMAINEN (*1964, Finland) Suprematism Nr. 101 Landscape with Composition, 2020 Analogue film, ink print in Artist Frame Sheet 164 x 221 cm (64 5/8 x 87 in.) Edition of 6, plus 2 AP; Ed. no. 1/6 Framed print About Back to Square Black: In his new series 'Back to Square Black', Ola Kolehmainen examines both art history and his own personal timeline. The multi-layered nature of history is the connecting thread that runs through his latest works, which take their cue from The Black Square, the iconic 1915 painting by Kazimir Malevich (1879-1935). With this new series, the black square makes a reprisal in Kolehmainen’s work, for it was already the hero of his graduate exhibition at Kluuvi Gallery in 1997, which highlighted futurist-inspired light box pieces and black squares. His latest works are similarly inspired by futurism, constructivism, and minimalism, but it is Malevich – whose work was greatly influenced by church architecture and icons – with whom Kolehmainen has an enduring personal connection. Not a single new photograph was taken for this series, which consists purely of the artist’s archived material from the early 2000s. Processing these existing images came closer to painting than the genre of photography. Kolehmainen reworked the photographs so that they become almost fictive and acquire new levels of historical significance. The artist describes his process as experimental mixed-media photography. The complex technique involved re-photographing existing images and printing them on a variety of different materials. The process began with the negatives, but the final outcome was impossible to predict. About Ola Kolehmainen: Ola Kolehmainen, one of the most prominent artists of the "Helsinki School", graduated in 1999 as a master student at the University of Arts and Design in Helsinki (now Aalto University School of Arts, Design and Architecture). His work specifically deals with contemporary architecture. Focused on the basic structure of architectural facades and interiors, on the strictly geometric arrangement of the serial (building) form, Kolehmainen creates almost abstract images whose aesthetic roots lie in minimalism. Distracting details, which the photographer calls "visual noise", are removed. However, there are elements that repeatedly emerge and undermine the concept of a clear order structure: a tree cut at the edge of the picture, whose branches cover part of the facade, or mirror facades that reflect a fragmented glance at the outer world. The "Helsinki School", one of the most exciting art movements in contemporary photography, cannot be illustrated by a particular style, nationality or formal quality, but by a unique way of looking at things. Members of the "Helsinki School" are primarily conceptual artists who use a camera or photosensitive material to express their artistic work. Furthermore, their location close to the Arctic Circle with exceptional light conditions and the unique social culture created by long days and nights are unique. – Ola Kolehmainen, Colour Photography, Abstract, Graphis, Structure, Pattern, Minimalistic, Futurism, Constructivism, Minimalism, Kazimir Malevich, Conceptual, Contemporary, Helsinki School, Experimental
Ola KOLEHMAINEN (*1964, Finland) Oil on Canvas Nr. 3 Landscape in broken Negative, 2020 Analogue film, ink print in Artist Frame Sheet 155 x 128 cm (61 x 50 3/8 in.) Edition of 6, plus 2 AP; Ed. no. 1/6 Framed print About Back to Square Black: In his new series 'Back to Square Black', Ola Kolehmainen examines both art history and his own personal timeline. The multi-layered nature of history is the connecting thread that runs through his latest works, which take their cue from The Black Square, the iconic 1915 painting by Kazimir Malevich (1879-1935). With this new series, the black square makes a reprisal in Kolehmainen’s work, for it was already the hero of his graduate exhibition at Kluuvi Gallery in 1997, which highlighted futurist-inspired light box pieces and black squares. His latest works are similarly inspired by futurism, constructivism, and minimalism, but it is Malevich – whose work was greatly influenced by church architecture and icons – with whom Kolehmainen has an enduring personal connection. Not a single new photograph was taken for this series, which consists purely of the artist’s archived material from the early 2000s. Processing these existing images came closer to painting than the genre of photography. Kolehmainen reworked the photographs so that they become almost fictive and acquire new levels of historical significance. The artist describes his process as experimental mixed-media photography. The complex technique involved re-photographing existing images and printing them on a variety of different materials. The process began with the negatives, but the final outcome was impossible to predict. About Ola Kolehmainen: Ola Kolehmainen, one of the most prominent artists of the "Helsinki School", graduated in 1999 as a master student at the University of Arts and Design in Helsinki (now Aalto University School of Arts, Design and Architecture). His work specifically deals with contemporary architecture. Focused on the basic structure of architectural facades and interiors, on the strictly geometric arrangement of the serial (building) form, Kolehmainen creates almost abstract images whose aesthetic roots lie in minimalism. Distracting details, which the photographer calls "visual noise", are removed. However, there are elements that repeatedly emerge and undermine the concept of a clear order structure: a tree cut at the edge of the picture, whose branches cover part of the facade, or mirror facades that reflect a fragmented glance at the outer world. The "Helsinki School", one of the most exciting art movements in contemporary photography, cannot be illustrated by a particular style, nationality or formal quality, but by a unique way of looking at things. Members of the "Helsinki School" are primarily conceptual artists who use a camera or photosensitive material to express their artistic work. Furthermore, their location close to the Arctic Circle with exceptional light conditions and the unique social culture created by long days and nights are unique. – Ola Kolehmainen, Colour Photography, Abstract, Graphis, Structure, Pattern, Minimalistic, Futurism, Constructivism, Minimalism, Kazimir Malevich, Conceptual, Contemporary, Helsinki School, Experimental
The exhibition 'Sketches of Spain' by photographer Ola Kolehmainen has been recently shown in Barcelona at the SENDA Gallery. The exhibition...
Ola Kolehmainen prints for sale. Buy Ola Kolehmainen art works at Christophe Guye Galerie, one of the leading galleries for Ola Kolehmainen photographs
Using architecture as a reference and source of inspiration, Finnish photographer Ola Kolehmainen has been questioning our way of looking at the world for most of his career.
Ola Kolehmainen prints for sale. Buy Ola Kolehmainen art works at Christophe Guye Galerie, one of the leading galleries for Ola Kolehmainen photographs
Ola KOLEHMAINEN (*1964, Finland) Suprematism Nr. 101 Landscape with Composition, 2020 Analogue film, ink print in Artist Frame Sheet 164 x 221 cm (64 5/8 x 87 in.) Edition of 6, plus 2 AP; Ed. no. 1/6 Framed print About Back to Square Black: In his new series 'Back to Square Black', Ola Kolehmainen examines both art history and his own personal timeline. The multi-layered nature of history is the connecting thread that runs through his latest works, which take their cue from The Black Square, the iconic 1915 painting by Kazimir Malevich (1879-1935). With this new series, the black square makes a reprisal in Kolehmainen’s work, for it was already the hero of his graduate exhibition at Kluuvi Gallery in 1997, which highlighted futurist-inspired light box pieces and black squares. His latest works are similarly inspired by futurism, constructivism, and minimalism, but it is Malevich – whose work was greatly influenced by church architecture and icons – with whom Kolehmainen has an enduring personal connection. Not a single new photograph was taken for this series, which consists purely of the artist’s archived material from the early 2000s. Processing these existing images came closer to painting than the genre of photography. Kolehmainen reworked the photographs so that they become almost fictive and acquire new levels of historical significance. The artist describes his process as experimental mixed-media photography. The complex technique involved re-photographing existing images and printing them on a variety of different materials. The process began with the negatives, but the final outcome was impossible to predict. About Ola Kolehmainen: Ola Kolehmainen, one of the most prominent artists of the "Helsinki School", graduated in 1999 as a master student at the University of Arts and Design in Helsinki (now Aalto University School of Arts, Design and Architecture). His work specifically deals with contemporary architecture. Focused on the basic structure of architectural facades and interiors, on the strictly geometric arrangement of the serial (building) form, Kolehmainen creates almost abstract images whose aesthetic roots lie in minimalism. Distracting details, which the photographer calls "visual noise", are removed. However, there are elements that repeatedly emerge and undermine the concept of a clear order structure: a tree cut at the edge of the picture, whose branches cover part of the facade, or mirror facades that reflect a fragmented glance at the outer world. The "Helsinki School", one of the most exciting art movements in contemporary photography, cannot be illustrated by a particular style, nationality or formal quality, but by a unique way of looking at things. Members of the "Helsinki School" are primarily conceptual artists who use a camera or photosensitive material to express their artistic work. Furthermore, their location close to the Arctic Circle with exceptional light conditions and the unique social culture created by long days and nights are unique. – Ola Kolehmainen, Colour Photography, Abstract, Graphis, Structure, Pattern, Minimalistic, Futurism, Constructivism, Minimalism, Kazimir Malevich, Conceptual, Contemporary, Helsinki School, Experimental
Image 2 of 12 from gallery of Sketches of Spain: Hidden Spanish Architecture Through Ola Kolehmainen's Lenses. Less is more. Image © Ola Kolehmainen. Courtesy of the SENDA Gallery
Using architecture as a reference and source of inspiration, Finnish photographer Ola Kolehmainen has been questioning our way of looking at the world for most of his career.
Ola KOLEHMAINEN (*1964, Finland) Hagia Sophia 537 AD XI, 2014 C-print mounted on composite sheet in Artist Frame Sheet 140 x 175 cm (55 1/8 x 68 7/8 in.) Edition of 4, plus 2 AP; Ed. no. 1/4 Framed print About Sacred Places: With the series 'Sacred Places' Kolehmainen has shifted away from his traditional minimalism, and expanded into a complex approach dealing with space, light, and colour. The series depicts ancient churches, synagogues and mosques reminding us of the interwoven history of the religions they represent. In addition to their historical dimension, the artist probes the buildings’ architectural volumes and light ratios: the buildings’ interiors and structural details reveal the changing light of days and seasons. The photographs’ textured ornamentation reflects historical layers and decorative interiors. Space and light are masterfully handled in Kolehmainen’s images to successfully capture the sublime essence of these historic buildings. About Ola Kolehmainen: Ola Kolehmainen, one of the most prominent artists of the "Helsinki School", graduated in 1999 as a master student at the University of Arts and Design in Helsinki (now Aalto University School of Arts, Design and Architecture). His work specifically deals with contemporary architecture. Focused on the basic structure of architectural facades and interiors, on the strictly geometric arrangement of the serial (building) form, Kolehmainen creates almost abstract images whose aesthetic roots lie in minimalism. Distracting details, which the photographer calls "visual noise", are removed. However, there are elements that repeatedly emerge and undermine the concept of a clear order structure: a tree cut at the edge of the picture, whose branches cover part of the facade, or mirror facades that reflect a fragmented glance at the outer world. The "Helsinki School", one of the most exciting art movements in contemporary photography, cannot be illustrated by a particular style, nationality or formal quality, but by a unique way of looking at things. Members of the "Helsinki School" are primarily conceptual artists who use a camera or photosensitive material to express their artistic work. Furthermore, their location close to the Arctic Circle with exceptional light conditions and the unique social culture created by long days and nights are unique. – Ola Kolehmainen, Colour Photography, Abstract, Graphis, Structure, Pattern, Minimalistic, Futurism, Constructivism, Minimalism, Conceptual, Contemporary, Helsinki School, Experimental, Architecture, Geometry
Ola Kolehmainen solo show in Istanbul
The exhibition 'Sketches of Spain' by photographer Ola Kolehmainen has been recently shown in Barcelona at the SENDA Gallery. The exhibition...
Today, I feature famous abstract photographers who helped to shape how we see photography. They have pushed the boundaries of what is possible and show us
Using architecture as a reference and source of inspiration, Finnish photographer Ola Kolehmainen has been questioning our way of looking at the world for most of his career.
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Ola KOLEHMAINEN (*1964, Finland) Hagia Sophia 537 AD XI, 2014 C-print mounted on composite sheet in Artist Frame Sheet 140 x 175 cm (55 1/8 x 68 7/8 in.) Edition of 4, plus 2 AP; Ed. no. 1/4 Framed print About Sacred Places: With the series 'Sacred Places' Kolehmainen has shifted away from his traditional minimalism, and expanded into a complex approach dealing with space, light, and colour. The series depicts ancient churches, synagogues and mosques reminding us of the interwoven history of the religions they represent. In addition to their historical dimension, the artist probes the buildings’ architectural volumes and light ratios: the buildings’ interiors and structural details reveal the changing light of days and seasons. The photographs’ textured ornamentation reflects historical layers and decorative interiors. Space and light are masterfully handled in Kolehmainen’s images to successfully capture the sublime essence of these historic buildings. About Ola Kolehmainen: Ola Kolehmainen, one of the most prominent artists of the "Helsinki School", graduated in 1999 as a master student at the University of Arts and Design in Helsinki (now Aalto University School of Arts, Design and Architecture). His work specifically deals with contemporary architecture. Focused on the basic structure of architectural facades and interiors, on the strictly geometric arrangement of the serial (building) form, Kolehmainen creates almost abstract images whose aesthetic roots lie in minimalism. Distracting details, which the photographer calls "visual noise", are removed. However, there are elements that repeatedly emerge and undermine the concept of a clear order structure: a tree cut at the edge of the picture, whose branches cover part of the facade, or mirror facades that reflect a fragmented glance at the outer world. The "Helsinki School", one of the most exciting art movements in contemporary photography, cannot be illustrated by a particular style, nationality or formal quality, but by a unique way of looking at things. Members of the "Helsinki School" are primarily conceptual artists who use a camera or photosensitive material to express their artistic work. Furthermore, their location close to the Arctic Circle with exceptional light conditions and the unique social culture created by long days and nights are unique. – Ola Kolehmainen, Colour Photography, Abstract, Graphis, Structure, Pattern, Minimalistic, Futurism, Constructivism, Minimalism, Conceptual, Contemporary, Helsinki School, Experimental, Architecture, Geometry
To promote their new corporate identity for the Bauhaus Dessau Foundation, HORT designed a series of posters using images of the Bauhaus Dessau building, by photographer Ola Kolehmainen.
Ola Kolehmainen solo show in Istanbul