Edwin Lydén

• Edwin Lydén : Ukonilma, 1926, 65x82, oil, canvas (A IV 3688) [© The Holders of Copyrights / Visual Artists` Copyright Society Kuvasto 1996] (26.3 kB)

Thus the art of the capital favoured above all nationalist values in a spirit of classicism, New Objectivity and Expressionism. But further away from Helsinki, in Turku, artists followed a considerably bolder and more innovative line. Through the decades Turku had upheld traditions as the location of the country's oldest art school. 1934 saw the founding in Turku of the Pro Arte society, which became the only association of artist in this decade that visibly promoted new international trends.

Edwin Lydén (1879-1956) was a leader of the early modernist generation in Turku. As a town Turku was encouragingly approbatory towards Lydén who continuously sought new ideas. Emphasizing its modernity and liberalness the city took an understanding and favourable view of experimentation. Edwin Lydén was an artist who kept an open mind and who never concealed his examples or influences. Lydén's production contains both figurative and purely abstract works.

Edwin Lydén : Ukonilma