Per Olov Jansson

P. O. Jansson (1920–2019) was a professional photographer and photography enthusiast who took photos throughout his life. He particularly enjoyed taking photos of nature in the archipelago and of those closest to him, such as his family and his sister Tove Jansson.

Jansson worked as an advertising and industrial photographer but was a photographic artist at heart. He conducted his artistic experiments and engaged in reflections and debates in camera clubs. His humoristic, perceptive and romantic images received recognition in exhibitions arranged by the Central Organization of Finnish Camera Clubs and in various competitions. Jansson was known for his careful design, construction and often creative editing of a photograph.

It was around the beginning of the Winter War that Jansson first became interested in photography. He took his first camera to the front lines and managed to record both life in the trenches and the beauty of nature. After the Continuation War, he put the photographs in an album, which is now on show in the display case.

Jansson passed away this spring at the age of 99. What was supposed to be his 99th birthday exhibition instead became a memorial exhibition.

All photographs in the exhibition are original gelatin silver prints by the artist from the collections of the Finnish Museum of Photography.