The Finns achieved independence on December 6, 1917. The history of the parliament building (Finnish: Eduskuntatalo, Swedish: Riksdagshuset) in Helsinki parallels our nation's journey as Finland became an independent Democratic Republic. I was hired by the Finnish parliament to photograph the interiors of the newly renovated parliament building. It was completed just in time for the opening of the autumn term of the Parliament in September of 2017. The meticulous and complete renovation and Finland's centennial gave me a once in a lifetime opportunity to be a part of this special year with my photography. The renovation started in 2015 and the last pieces of reupholstered furniture just came in while I was getting ready to photograph the hall of state (valtiosali).
The architectural competition which was held in 1924 was won by the firm of Borg–Sirén–Åberg with a proposal called Oratoribus (Latin for "for the speakers"). Architect J. S. Sirén (1889–1961), was given the task of designing Parliament House. The building was constructed between 1926–1931 and was completed in March of 1931.
On a personal level, my father Kauko Loikas (1927-2017), was a young soldier fighting for Finland to stay as an independent nation in World War II. So, it is my honor share a small selection of my photographs of this very significant and historical building and urge you to visit when in Helsinki. Architecturally the building is like Finland at the time. Our nation was still seeking validation from the past classical trends and even Egyptian motifs, but at the same time trying to establish itself in its own right.
Photography has always been part of me since I was a teenager. I have always been printing my work, first by traditional film development and dark room process and now by using a digital workflow and a large variety of materials and printing methods.
My prints connect the viewer with the photograph in a subtle but effective way, creating a feeling that lasts.