Rya rug. Now. 10.5.‒31.8.2025

What does a rya rug look like in the 2020s? How does this traditional pile textile transform within the fields of contemporary art and design? The exhibition Rya Rug. Now., curated by the Craft Museum of Finland, presents modern rya rugss and their creators, embracing bold experimentation and reinterpreting tradition. Featuring 19 Finnish or Finland-based artists and designers, the exhibition showcases unique perspectives on the possibilities of rya rug techniques.

"A rya rug is inherently three-dimensional, saturated with material, experiential, and cultural-symbolic values. Neither quite an object nor merely an image, it overflows beyond categories. It is a lush concept."
— Harri Kalha, in Uhra-Beata Simberg-Ehrström, edited by Juha-Heikki Tihinen & Sabina Westerholm, Stiftelsen Pro Artibus, 2016.

The rya rugs featured in the exhibition exist at the intersection of tradition and modernity. The artists challenge conventional materials, forms, and techniques, presenting woven, tufted, and sewn ryas alike. The choice of materials ranges from traditional wool to silk, recycled fabrics, and even metal. Reflecting contemporary themes and personal worldviews, the works invite visitors on a rich journey into the world of modern rya rugs. The exhibition encourages viewers to explore the boundaries of traditional rya rug definitions—and perhaps even step beyond them.

Rya rugs have been part of Finnish culture for centuries, yet their form and function are ever-evolving. No longer just decorative textiles or bedcovers, they serve as a medium for artistic expression and interpretation. In this exhibition, the traditional wall textile expands into installations, sculptures, and spatial art. The exhibition's theme holds deep significance for many of the participating artists. For instance, Johanna Suonpää's Matka keltaiseen (Journey into Yellow) explores the complexity of color and its emotional dimensions. Sanna Majander's rya artwork Uhanalaiset (Endangered) spreads across the wall like moss, organically taking over the space. Alexandra Lindqvist's rya jewelry series integrates rya into fashion and jewelry design, while Ama Essel's installation examines the relationship between ryasand structures.

Rya rug. Now. offers a fresh perspective on how the rya can be part of contemporary art, design, and sustainable thinking.

Participating Artists

Lotta Blomberg, Ama Essel, Annika Huurrekorpi, Anmari af Hällström, Tenka Issakainen, Laura Jantunen, Jonna Karanka, Hanna-Kaisa Korolainen, Alexandra Lindqvist, Sanna Majander, Niina Mantsinen, Riitta Nelimarkka, Satu Rautiainen, Joonas Salo, Melissa Sammalvaara, Heli Savila, Mirkka Suokas, Johanna Suonpää, and Hanna Wiik-Rosenqvist.