Anne Vasko + Toshiyuki Fukuda
The autumn season of Galleria Kuvitus opens with an exhibition based on a joint international book project by two well-known illustrators, Anne Vasko (FI) and Toshiyuki Fukuda (JP). The exhibition features sketches and original illustrations by both artists for the book Kun Aamu kohtaa Illan / Kun Ilta kohtaa Aamun (“When Morning Meets Evening / When Evening Meets Morning”). The wistfully beautiful flip book contains two separate stories that have a common ending. In Vasko’s story, the young Aamu girl sets out to find the Tree of Life. In Fukuda’s story, an elderly bear named Ilta sets out towards the same tree but from a different direction. In the middle of the book, the girl and the bear meet. The book tells the story of a journey to another person.
The exhibition based on the book’s illustrations has been on display at the Tobichi Gallery in Tokyo and Kyoto in the spring, and at the Vinha Gallery in Ruovesi in the early summer. The exhibitions are accompanied by the music of the book’s soundtrack, composed by Swedish composer Matti Bye. He is known for, among other things, the music for three Klaus Härö’s films. As in previous exhibitions, a tree of messages will grow on the wall of Galleria Kuvitus, where visitors can leave their greetings.
Vasko and Fukuda’s collaboration on the book began during the Vinha residency in 2024. The book was published in March of this year by the publishing house 888books in Japan, and in May by Vinha Publishing House in Finland. The book’s working group includes illustrators and artists Anne Vasko and Toshiyuki Fukuda, coordinator and translator Keiko Morishita and graphic designer Shigeyuki Sakaida. The book is sold by Vinha Bookstore, other well-stocked bookstores and Prisma stores. During the exhibition, books will also be available from Galleria Kuvitus in both Finnish and Japanese.
Anne Vasko (b. 1969) has created a visual world in numerous picture books, both her own and those written by others. Her artistic work also extends to various materials and platforms, from public spaces to postage stamps. Her starting point is often in collage-like surfaces. Even in digital works, there is a hand-cut shape in the background.
Toshiyuki Fukuda (b. 1967) is a multidisciplinary Japanese designer and illustrator known for his detailed and poetic expression. With a distinctive style inspired by nature and mythological elements, he has established himself as a prominent illustrator both in Japan and internationally
Toshiyuki Fukuda will be present at the exhibition on the Night of the Arts, Thursday 20.8. when he will sign books together with Anne Vasko from 7-8pm. Welcome to meet both illustrators!
See also: Toshiyuki Fukuda’s Masterclass in Helsinki 21.8. + 24.8.
Photography: Ilkka Vuorinen
