The exhibition will feature rare archival materials, offering a glimpse into Wirkkala’s creative process and the influences that shaped his visionary designs. The Sculptor of Ultima Thule will showcase a comprehensive collection of Wirkkala’s masterpieces, including rarely exhibited plywood sculptures as well as design objects and prototypes designed by Wirkkala for Iittala, Venini and Rosenthal.
The Sculptor of Ultima Thule has been co-produced by EMMA – Espoo Museum of Modern Art, Tapio Wirkkala Rut Bryk Foundation and the Japanese company Blue Sheep. The exhibition will start in 2025 at Tokyo Station Gallery in Wirkkala’s 110th anniversary year. During the years 2025–2026, the exhibition will travel to several exhibition locations around Japan, to be announced later.