First Finnish exhibition in the Tretyakov Galle...

Press release 14 August 2009

Kari Huhtamo has, as the first Finnish artist, been invited to hold
an exhibition in the national gallery highly respected by Russians.
This exhibition, which is sponsored by Ruukki, features the
sculptor's works and graphic prints over a period of nearly 30 years.


The sculptor, Kari Huhtamo, is known for his distinctive, freely
expressive style. The motifs in his works often refer to nature. The
principal material in his sculptures is steel.

"We have earlier experience of co-operation with Kari Huhtamo, and
therefore the sponsorship of this exhibition was only a natural
continuation. Ruukki has a strong presence in Russia, and the country
is an important, growing market for us. We are proud to be able to
support a Finnish artist in Russia", says Taina Kyllönen, SVP,
Marketing, Ruukki.

Steel is a versatile material with a homogeneous surface which can be
moulded to suit designs of different sizes. The majority of the
pieces to be displayed in the exhibition are made of steel. "An
invitation to the Tretyakov Gallery as the first Finnish artist is a
major honour. It shows that there is interest in Finnish modern art
within Russian expert circles", says artist Kari Huhtamo.

The exhibition, which is called Variatio arctica sculptura, will be
open in the Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow from 3 September to 4 October
2009. The patron of the exhibition is the President of the Republic
of Finland, Tarja Halonen. Ruukki is the main sponsor. Other
supporters are the Finnish Cultural Foundation, the Alfred Kordelin
Foundation, the National Council for Visual Arts, the Ministry of
Education, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs in Finland, the companies
Sanoma Magazines B.V. and Finntemet Oy and Frame.

Further information: Taina Kyllönen, SVP, Marketing, Ruukki, tel.
[phone]

Rautaruukki supplies metal-based components, systems and integrated
systems to the construction and engineering industries. The company
has a wide selection of metal products and services. Rautaruukki has
operations in 26 countries and employs 13,000 people. Net sales in
2008 totalled EUR 3.9 billion. The company's share is quoted on
NASDAQ OMX Helsinki (Rautaruukki Oyj: RTRKS). The Corporation uses
the marketing name Ruukki.

www.ruukki.com


Kari Huhtamo, Sculptor

Kari Huhtamo, D.A. h.c., was born in Rovaniemi, Northern Finland, on
11 January 1943. He studied at the School of Industrial Art from 1961
to 1963 and at the School of the Art Academy of Finland in Helsinki
from 1963 to 1964.

In addition to sculptures, medals and portraits, Huhtamo's production
encompasses lithographs, serigraphs and textile works.

The artist's works have been displayed in dozens of exhibitions both
in Finland and abroad, and he has achieved success in numerous
sculpture competitions.

Huhtamo has created more than 50 public works of art, including
multi-element installations and facade and indoor wall reliefs. His
most well-known sculptures are Polskis (Splash) in Oulu (1976),
Monument to the Reconstruction of Lapland in Rovaniemi (1977),
Sulavesi in the Jyväskylä University (2000) and Aaria in the Congress
Centre Mikaeli in Mikkeli (2002).

Huhtamo was granted the Finnish State Award of Visual Arts both in
1969 and 1973. In 2004 the artist was granted the title Doctor
Honoris Causa in Fine Arts by the University of Lapland, and in 2007
he was appointed an Honorary Member of the Association of Finnish
Sculptors.

www.huhtamo.com


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