Unto Koistinen - Aapeli

Painter, graphic artist, and professor Unto Koistinen (b. 1917, Helsinki, d. 1994, Espoo) was one of the key modernists of post-war Finland. Koistinen is especially known for his substantial number of self-portraits, in which he appeared in various roles such as a harlequin, a lion, and a Renaissance prince. Despite these roles, the artist’s strong facial features, large nose, and melancholic eyes are easily recognizable in them.  

Koistinen studied to become an artist in the 1930s and 1940s in Helsinki and Stockholm. During the war years, he trained as a police officer, but ultimately returned to his artistic career. He was awarded the Pro Finlandia Medal in 1963 and the honorary title of Professor in 1970. 

Unto Koistinen’s painting Aapeli was exhibited at the Venice Biennale in 1958.