Inna Rogatchi’s and Ilkka Hynynen’s NOW & EVER fine art photography exhibition has opened in Vilnius, at the premises of the Embassy of Finland in Lithuania.
The exhibition which is set in the inviting Aura Hall of the Embassy, has been opened by the Ambassador of Finland to Lithuania Harri Mäki-Reinikka
Ambassador of Finland H.E. Harri Mäki-Reinikka opens Inna Rogatchi’s and Ilkka Hynynen’s exhibition in Vilnius. March 2014
In his speech, H.E. Harri Mäki-Reinikka emphasised the friendly relations and fruitful ongoing co-operation between the Embassy and The Rogatchi Foundation and its co-founders, artists Michael and Inna Rogatchi. Mr Ambassador also emphasised the multi-sided activities of Inna Rogatchi not only as an artist but also as the writer, documentary maker, political analyst, and public figure. In his warm speech, the Ambassador of Finland thanked and praised the Rogatchi couple for their powerful representation of Finland on the international scene. Returning to the exhibition Now & Ever, Ambassador Harri Mäki-Reinikka also talked on a master work by Ilkka Hynynen which caused a deep interest in the audience.
In her speech, Inna Rogatchi addressed the many guests honouring the exhibition opening.
Inna Rogatchi addressing the audience at the Now & Ever exhibition opening in Vilnius. March 2014
Inna Rogatchi thanked and greeted the many distinguished guests, and told them of the stimulating and uplifting way in which she, her husband, the artist Michael Rogatchi, personally and their The Rogatchi Foundation work with their close and dear friends at the Finnish Embassy in Lithuania. With some of the people there as with deputy head of mission counsellor Juha Vänskä and his family, the Rogatchi family has been friendly with for over 25 years. Inna also told of her close friendship and co-operation with the talented Finnish artist Ilkka Hynynen whom Inna invited to join her in this exhibition, and invited the guests to enjoy the show.
The opening gathered a very prominent audience including many Ambassadors – H. E. Toomas Kukk of Estonia, H.E. Jeanette Stovel of Canada, H.E. Johann Spitzer of Austria, H.E. Radek Pech of the Czech Republic, H.E. Akin Algan of Turkey, H.E. Leif Arne Ulland of Norway, the head of the Permanent Mission of the EU to Lithuania H.E. Ms Natalija Kazlauskiene, the senior diplomats from the German Embassy, the ministry for Foreign Affairs, and many distinguished representatives of the Lithuanian intellectual and artistic elite and notable public figures.
The audience responded to the works shown at the exhibition with high interest and deep involvement. Some of the works – as was Inna’s Bench in Love – were proposed to be made a poster for the “Care on Your Fellow” campaign; and Ilkka’s works – as was Heart-Beat – were noted for their ‘deep symbolism’.
The exhibition is completed by two contrasting series, close-range’ poetic pictures of LONELY LEAFS SONGS (2011-2014) by Inna Rogatchi, and abstract philosophical works of WAVES OF A HEARTBIT (2014) by Ilkka Hynynen. Combined together, the exhibition’s joined theme is a poetical and philosophical study of a human being and his or her world.
Inna Rogatchi and Ilkka Hynynen also co-operate in the various projects of The Rogatchi Foundation. The current exhibition is one more joint effort on the charitable activities for both artists.
Inna’s colleague in this two artists’ show, Ilkka Hynynen is known for his unconventional approach to nature in his art, and also for his ability to recognise and create symbolism out of the ordinary. Ilkka is a member of the well-known in Finland: Peri Centre of Photography. He started his artistic career in the early 1980s, and has been exhibiting throughout Finland widely. Both artists share their love and respect of the Japanese culture and poetry.
In its technique, Inna’s series are authored original prints on canvas; Ilkka’s series are authored original prints on cotton paper. All works in both series are unique.
The exhibition which was initially due to be on display until the end of April, now has been prolonged by the organisers until the end of May 2014.
Musical video on Inna Rogatchi’s exhibition series is here: