Women breaking boundaries – Tove Jansson and Maire Gullichsen as innovators of Finnish art and culture
The lives of two powerful women intertwine in the development of Finnish art and culture. The life’s work of Tove Jansson and Maire Gullichsen exemplifies courage, perseverance, and creativity at a time when women’s position in the world of art and culture was fraught with challenges.
Minna Canth Day, also known as Equality Day in Finland and celebrated on March 19th, is a fitting occasion to explore the intersection of Tove Jansson’s and Maire Gullichsen’s lives. Their work was united by a desire to break down boundaries — both artistic and social. They shattered the glass ceilings of their time, paving the way for future generations.
Founder and student of the Free Art School
While studying in Helsinki in the 1930s, Tove Jansson was part of a generation of internationalist modernists. Her artistic language developed into a distinctive style. Though never strictly associated with the Abstract movement, she drew inspiration from European Modernism and forged her own unique way of combining narrative and artistic expression. Read more about Jansson’s versatility as an artist here.
Maire Gullichsen (1907–1990) was a key figure in Finnish modernism. More than just a patron of the arts and a founding member of Artek, she played an active role in bringing international art to Finland. In 1935, she co-founded Artek as a hub for contemporary art. The name Artek is derived from the words art and technology. Today, Artek is renowned for its furniture, lighting, and interior design products, created by Finnish masters and leading international designers.
Maire Gullichsen in the library of Villa Mairea. Photo: © Villa Mairea archiveGullichsen played a crucial role in bringing modernist art to Finland, organizing exhibitions featuring masters such as Fernand Léger and Alexander Calder. Her vision of integrating art, design, and architecture continues to have a lasting impact. She also founded the Free Art School, where Tove Jansson honed her skills by drawing live models and deepening her artistic expression.
The link between two cultural influencers
In 1946, Tove Jansson spent Midsummer at Villa Mairea, the modernist home of Maire Gullichsen, which remains a landmark of Finnish architecture and Alvar Aalto’s design. During her visit, Jansson also worked on paintings at a private residence in Pori, as was her custom, meticulously documented her experiences in her diary.
The living room of Villa Mairea, designed by Alvar Aalto. Photo: © Villa Mairea archiveTue, June 11
“To Pori. By car to Mairea, luxury bungalow with swimming pool and more. Ten Mountain Councils (Vuorineuvos) in the sauna. This is a natural environment.”
Sun, June 23 ”Midsummer pole, bridge dancing, accordion, wine, Puck-like mischief, sauna, sunrise swim to the island, morning fight, dancing around the Midsummer pole, talk, food, and everything I longed for. Twenty summers in Pellinge. I’m grateful to have experienced something like this.”
The full-page illustration and poem Jansson left in the Villa Mairea guestbook during her visit reflect not only her sensitive and humorous approach but also the deep appreciation she felt for Maire Gullichsen and her home.
Tove Jansson’s creation in the Villa Mairea guestbook on Midsummer 1946. Image and the depicted artwork © Mairea Foundation.Image rights © Moomin Characters™
“Light wood. Glass, light and flowering trees.
In the lonely house where every line is clean.
One understands that a home should be a poem
And without sharp angles for those who live in it –
You two are in harmony with it
Adorned it as one adorns a friend –
Warm joy, clear colour, free speech I found here
Among flowers where Maire is the most beautiful!”
Translation: Villa Mairea Foundation
The lives and achievements of Tove Jansson and Maire Gullichsen serve as a reminder of how the work of courageous women can profoundly impact culture and equality. In the spirit of Minna Canth’s legacy, they were change-makers whose contributions paved the way for future generations, both in the arts and in social discourse.
Artek and Moomin’s anniversary collaboration
This year marks two significant anniversaries: the 90th anniversary of Artek, founded by Gullichsen, and the 80th anniversary of the Moomins. To celebrate, the Artek + Moomins collection brings together shared values of inclusion and togetherness. The Stool 60 Celebration and Cabinet 250 Celebration, adorned with graphic Moomin motifs, embody Finnish hospitality in its spontaneous and relaxed form. Read more about the collaboration here.
Artek + Moomin – Stool 60 Celebration
Mountain Council (Vuorineuvos) is an honorary title granted for life by the President of Finland to individuals with remarkable achievements in industry.
