This is what a new generation of art looks like: Young Artists 2026 presents 26 compelling young artists. The exhibition will be on view at Kunsthalle Helsinki from May 29 to July 19, 2026.
Organised since 1939, the Young Artists (Nuoret) exhibition showcases recent works by artists under the age of 35. Over the decades, it has introduced numerous emerging artists and memorable works to the Finnish visual art scene.
This edition also reflects themes that resonate strongly today. In the works of the young artists, there is a clear need to pause and slow down. A sense of powerlessness in the face of the world’s heavy issues emerges too – at times even taking on absurd tones – alongside critical reflection on whom society’s structures are built for. The selection also highlights a deep engagement with materials and their ecological dimensions.
Artists featured in the exhibition:
Onni Alanko, Tomas Aphalo, Noora El Harouny, Ronya Hirsma, Erkki Huilla, Hermanni Härmälä, Elias Langi, Katya Lesiv, Yufan Lu, Sara Manninen, Frans Nybacka, Oskar Partanen, Tommi Pasanen, Iiri Poteri, Lyy Raitala, Kristo Saarikoski, Johanna Saikkonen, Mirella Salo, Inari Sandell, Emma Sarpaniemi, Irene Suosalo, Onur Tayranoğlu, Armi Teva, Christine Valtonen, Xiao Zhiyu, Yujie Zhou
The artists and works were selected through an open call. The jury was chaired by photographic artist Aapo Huhta. The open call was organised by the Artists’ Association of Finland. The main parner of the exhibition is YIT.
Throughout its 87-year history, the Young Artists’ Exhibition has brought new and interesting contemporary artists to the forefront and served as a springboard for the careers of significant figures. Over the years, participants have included Tove Jansson, Leena Luostarinen, Kari Cavén, Emma Ainala, Nastja Säde Rönkkö, and Man Yau, the Young Artist of the Year 2025. The Young Artists is also a popular art sales exhibition.