Hugo Simberg and symbolism

A hundred years ago, symbolism was a new and exciting genre, which aimed at depicting an alternative reality outside of ordinary life. The symbolists believed that through art it would be possibel to reach the other side, the world of dreams, reverie and imagination. Only art would provide the opportunity to depart from the mundane.
Hugo Simberg was born a symbolist. His art grew from love and compassion.

Photograph: Hugo Simberg

It is a black-and-white picture, with Hugo Simberg standing outdoors, on grass, facing the camera. He supports his hands on his hips and bends slightly forward. He looks from under his brows and has a mischievous smile on his face. Simberg has a short hair and goatee. He is wearing a jacket, waistcoat, trousers and a white shirt.

Hugo Simberg took numerous photographs of his family life. This picture Simberg took in 1896 with the aid of delayed-action release. He must have been in a hurry to get in front of the camera, for his feet are not showing in the picture. The picture is a detail of a photograph in which Simberg and his sister Blenda pose dressed up as actors. Blenda and the background have been cropped out along Simberg's outline.

The See, Hear, Imagine on-line exhibition catalogue:
Click the thumbnails or captions for presentations.

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The works are part of Ateneum's collection © Copyrights.
Click here to access the website of the Finnish National Gallery (www.fng.fi) and its
Hugo Simberg homepage. Listed on it are all of the 450 works by Hugo Simberg included in Ateneum's colletion. On Simberg's homepage you can also view photos of the artist himself.