Smashing Summer 2010 – Part 3 (S & R)

S & R – what could that mean? Well, it stands for Savonlinna and Retretti. Every now and then we get this need to explore Finland a bit more. In the eastern parts of Finland there are many small towns, surrounded by beautiful lakes and landscapes. Savonlinna (with its castle) is one of them. Retretti, on the other hand, is an art centre (http://www.retretti.fi/index.asp?language=2) with a difference. Art is presented underground, in caves.

“The underground cave area excavated during the 1980s to a depth of a 30 metres today covers 3,700 metres square and houses, galleries and a superb concert hall. The caves provide a unique setting in which to create and experience. They entice the visitor year after year, ever revealing new aspects, tirelessly, unceasingly and constantly embracing the work of the artist.”

The above extract taken from www.retretti.fi/

This summer Retretti focused on Helene Schjerfbeck and sisters in art, but the cave exhibitions were just as thrilling. Here are a few photos ( S & R):