A photo exhibition has opened in Hakasalmi’s villa in Helsinki, which presents photographs taken by Jörn Donner during his travels. They are on display for the first time.
Jörn Donner (1933–2020) is remembered as a multi-talented cultural figure, but he also enjoyed being behind the camera and was a skilled photographer.
For the first time, the public can see what the world looked like as photographed by Donner.
Jörn Donner’s huge archive of photographs of the family house, Pohjoisranta twelve, was revealed only after his death. There were thousands of pictures.
– It was a big surprise!
Kousa led the working group that put together a photo exhibition at the Hakasalmi villa next to Finlandia Hall. On display are photographs taken by Donner during his work and leisure trips from 1951–1968.
There is a person in Donner’s photographs
The work group was also surprised by how good a photographer Donner was.
Instead of tourist spots, Donner was interested in street views and everyday life of ordinary people.
– He was not a tourist photographer or a snapshot photographer. Going through the archives, I have been amazed that he had photographed so few tourist attractions.
Jörn Donner traveled around the world with his photo camera. There are pictures from Europe, Africa, Asia, the Far East, the United States and Latin America.
The pictures have included, for example, the street noise of Cape Town, the Sahara desert and the Cannes Film Festival.
Donner was a keen photographer
When taking photos, Donner looks at the world with curiosity, makes observations about the environment and makes precise observations about people.
Even in the 1960s, traveling was rare.
Hannamari Shakya wonders how Donner got so close to his unknown subjects. A pale Westerner would have been thought to arouse suspicion in many places.
– The photos show the photographer’s genuine curiosity and interest in people. No person who is not interested in the world takes such pictures.
Jörn Donner had a long career as a writer, film director and producer. In addition, he was a member of parliament and a diplomat.
According to Tuula Kousa, the photos reveal new, surprising aspects of her.
– There will be a different picture of Jörn Donner. He has an empathetic and warm look. He really is a different person than the Donner we think we know.
What would Jörn Donner say about the show if he were still alive?
– He would certainly be very pleased, at least secretly, Kousa believes.
Hannamari Shakya agrees. Donner would be happy with the show and express his satisfaction in Swedish.
– He would probably say skit bra.
*The exhibition Jörn Donner – Matkala 1951–68 is on display at the Hakasalmi villa in Helsinki from March 31 to September 3, 2023. The villa is part of the Helsinki City Museum.*