Obituary: Simo Helenius, Award-Winning Sculptor

Simo Helenius, a sculptor celebrated for his distinctive artistic voice, passed away in Turku on May 21, 2026, at the age of 83. Born in Koski, Turku region, in 1942, Helenius developed a unique POP-influenced style early in his career, utilizing materials like faux leather and metal pipes with a blend of humor and critical commentary. During the early 1970s, amidst a wave of realism in Finland, Helenius shifted to creating concrete sculptures, primarily portraits, showcasing his strong sense of form and ability to capture essential human characteristics. A notable work from this period is "Ahkerat lukutoukat" (Diligent Bookworms) for Samppalinna School, which combined humor with fairytale-like realism. In the 1980s, Helenius found his most fulfilling medium in wood sculpture, a practice he continued throughout his life. His mastery of this material earned him the State Prize for Visual Arts in 1984 for a series of wood sculptures. He skillfully incorporated natural elements like branches and roots into his work. Over the years, he also worked with stone and bronze, creating large-scale installations for public spaces. Helenius was a devoted family man, cherishing his wife Päivi, three sons, and grandchildren. He had a deep connection to his neighborhood of Raunistula in Turku, where he lived for 40 years and actively participated in the local housing association, even designing its flag. The family's summer cottage on Lake Kakskerta was also a cherished place. Known for his spontaneous nature, Helenius would occasionally visit the Uusi apteekki restaurant for a single beer, often leaving with a quirky excuse like "I left the potatoes boiling, I have to go before they overcook." He typically traveled by bicycle for the short distance. A retrospective exhibition at the Wäinö Aalto Museum in 2018 provided a comprehensive overview of his art, with many of his public works gracing the Turku region.