To mark 100 years of Finland’s independence, distinguished guests had the opportunity to see the impressive works of the world renowned Finnish-American photographer Arno Rafael Minkkinen at the opening of his exhibition Taivaanranta / Obala neba / Firmament, on display for the first time in Croatia at the prominent Museum of Contemporary Art in Zagreb. 
For over 40 years Arno Rafael Minkkinen has used his camera to capture magic. In his striking photographs, his body becomes one with the natural environment. What is even more remarkable is that his ingenious works are not manipulated and that he is both the photographer and one of the objects of his photographs. This unique style has become Minkkinen’s signature and there is always a hint of playfulness in his work. As the works of this acclaimed photographer are inspired by natural surroundings, it is no surprise that he was also inspired by Croatia’s diverse and natural beauty. His most recent photographs created in Croatia are now part of Minkkinen’s impressive world collection. In a year when Finland celebrates 100 years of independence and 25 years of diplomatic relations between Finland and Croatia, the Embassy of Finland is especially proud that the series of photographs from Croatia are a lasting memory that Minkkinen will carry with him to museums worldwide and that they will bring Croatia’s cultural and natural identity to the world’s culture and photography scene. In many ways, this remarkable exhibition celebrates our countries’ love of culture and it further intensifies our warm bilateral relations. At the exhibition opening, Chargé d’Affaires a.i. Virpi Turunen said that the theme of Finland’s centennial year was “together” and that we are happy to celebrate this special occasion together with our partners at the Museum of Contemporary Art, the author of the exhibition Filip Beusan, the City of Zagreb, Ministry of Culture, Zagreb Tourist Board, Croatian Tourist Board, dignitaries, representatives of the cultural and business community and many friends, colleagues and counterparts. We invite you to visit the exhibition which will be open until January 22, 2018.
