Kiasma brings together Tom of Finland’s art and life story in an exhibition

The world-renowned artist’s exhibition is Kiasma’s major contribution for 2023, bringing together his six-decade career.

Tom of Finland's drawing, where a naked man is lying on the floor at the feet of people wearing boots. — Tom of Finland is known for his homoerotic drawings of masculine male types.

In April 2023, the Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma will open an exhibition about the unique art and life of Tom of Finland.

At the same time, a group exhibition Dreamy opens at Kiasma, presenting queer works from the collection of the National Gallery.

Touko Laaksonen, stage name Tom of Finland, sits on a chair with his hands in his lap. — Tom of Finland, the art of Touko Laaksonen, became known in the United States during his lifetime.

Tom of Finland is one of the most internationally renowned Finnish artists. He is known for his cartoon characters that created a new image of masculinity at a time when homosexuality was considered a crime.

Tom of Finland’s life has been made into a documentary, a film and a musical. In the past, the artist’s works have been exhibited in Finland, for example at Helsinki Art Hall and the Wäinö Aaltonen Museum in Turku. In 2020 alone, Tom of Finland’s works were exhibited in five different countries around the world.