ITE-Aulis Home Museum

The ITE-Aulis home museum in Herralanmäki, Suonenjoki, opens up a view into the enchanting world of Aulis Jalkanen, who was born in 1935.

The artist, who grew up and lived in the countryside, in the lap of the forest, created his own fantasy world from the mythology of the Finnish forest. He interprets these stories in his extensive and rich production; sculptures, paintings, prints and poems. An interesting entity is formed by the photo diaries that Aulis Jalkanen has been making since the 1950s. Thrift and recycling are emphasised in art experiments – hundreds of works have been created, for example, on pieces cut from milk cartons. The ITE artist’s innovativeness to see the potential for creativity in all materials impresses the viewer, as does the astonishing number of works and the content that brings out the artist’s innermost self.

The home museum tells the story of the conditions in which the little boy grew up, lived, worked and loved. Aulis Jalkanen farmed his small farm and earned his living by working in the forest and as a carpenter. He played instruments, orienteered at the Finnish Championship level, was his mother’s caregiver and found a girlfriend as an adult.

Aulis Jalkanen’s astonishing artistic heritage became more widely known when the Association for Rural Culture and Education found a self-taught artist to join ITE art in its 2022 survey. The Suonenjoki Art Society organised an exhibition of the work of its long-term member and, acting quickly, established an association, ITE-Aulis ry, to preserve Jalkanen’s art heritage. With the help of the association – and surprisingly fast action – Aulis Jalkanen’s home has been turned into a home museum.

Aulis Jalkanen’s artist introduction on our website.

Photos below: Map from ITE-Aulis ry’s archive.
Photos by Riitta Kärkkäinen from the summer 2023.
Veli Granö’s photos of Aulis Jalkanen’s home before it was organized as a home museum.