Hugo Simberg (1873–1917) depicted, with depth and empathy, the people close to him, animals, and figures from a fantasy world. In his fairy-tale-like works, devils appear as human, compassion-evoking figures, and death as a necessary yet gentle and natural presence in life.

The exhibition highlights the artist’s interest in symbolism and meanings that extend beyond visible reality, as well as his open-minded experimentation with and mastery of various techniques. The artist’s influences, working methods, and the layers of meaning in his works are explored through the latest research. The exhibition is produced by the Turku Art Museum, and its works come not only from the museum’s own collection but also from other public and private collections.