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Euro banknotes get a new look: Experts assess finalists
🇫🇮 Finland /Culture & Society

Euro banknotes get a new look: Experts assess finalists

From Helsingin Sanomat · () Finnish

Translated from Finnish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • The European Central Bank is selecting new designs for euro banknotes, with 10 finalists chosen from over 1,200 submissions.
  • Designs are based on European culture, rivers, and birds, with Finnish designer Ville Tietäväinen among the finalists.
  • Experts praise the high quality of submissions but note a division between traditional cultural themes and more modern, nature-inspired designs.

The European Central Bank is on the verge of unveiling a fresh look for euro banknotes, marking the first redesign since 2002. A shortlist of ten finalists has been announced, emerging from a competitive pool of over 1,200 graphic designers across the eurozone.

It is a pleasure to see that the final stage includes proposals made by top professionals.

— Klaus WelpAn art expert evaluating the euro banknote finalists.

Finnish graphic designer Ville Tietäväinen is among the contenders, with his proposal focusing on themes of rivers and birds. The submitted designs are broadly categorized into two main themes: European culture and nature, specifically rivers and birds.

Visual arts experts Klaus Welp and Päivi Helander reviewed the finalists. Welp described the overall quality as exceptionally high, noting that "it is a pleasure to see that the final stage includes proposals made by top professionals." However, he observed a distinct split in the submissions. While acknowledging the need to respect tradition, Welp found many culturally themed notes to be "unsurprisingly traditional" and "visually hopelessly old-fashioned," with some appearing "hastily made." He specifically criticized the reverse sides of the portrait-themed notes as generic and "stock photo-like."

The European spirit should represent progressiveness, while still respecting the old.

— Klaus WelpAn art expert commenting on the cultural themes in the euro banknote designs.

In contrast, Welp lauded the bird and river-themed designs, calling them "magnificent, delicate, and soaring proposals." He easily recognized Tietäväinen's work, describing his banknotes as "beautiful and boldly composed masterpieces." Welp praised Tietäväinen's innovative use of composition, noting how some bird motifs were "boldly cropped" and that the "vertical format works well, and the color scheme is strong."

Magnificent, delicate, and soaring proposals.

— Klaus WelpAn art expert describing the bird and river-themed euro banknote designs.

Despite the praise, Welp expressed reservations about certain elements. He found the modern EU buildings used as backdrops in some bird-themed designs to be "cold." He questioned whether more "cultural-historical architectural heritage" could have been incorporated. He also pointed out a somewhat ironic detail: the glass office buildings, which pose a significant hazard to birds, appearing on notes celebrating avian life. Welp also voiced concern about the acceptance of AI in the design process, questioning the appropriateness of using such tools for symbols of European identity.

The style is immediately recognizable. The banknotes are very beautiful and boldly composed masterpieces.

— Klaus WelpAn art expert praising Finnish designer Ville Tietäväinen's euro banknote proposals.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Helsingin Sanomat in Finnish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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