In the documentary, Erik Bruun tells how he created the image of a norpa familiar to the whole nation.
Erik Bruun is one of the most internationally known Finnish graphic artists. FILMus Oy / Yle
by Erik Bruun Hartwall’s Jaffa posters and the smiling Saimaa grouse in the logo of the Finnish Nature Conservation Union have been created from the pen. His works have been seen in street art, on stamps and on store shelves. He has worked for Finnair, Fazer and Paulig.
The 96-year-old professor is the most internationally known Finnish graphic artist and the king of poster art. A recent documentary tells about him Erik Bruun – one more job.
In the documentary, Bruun, for example, tells how he created the legendary figure of a norpa.
– I read in the newspaper that the norpa’s situation in Saimaa was critical. The next morning I took the train to Tampere to the aquarium. Norppa came behind the glass and I drew it. It went dozens of times hawking the air and came down again. Finally, I showed it this picture and I bet it smiled.
– In most cases, the idea is born accidentally, by chance, Bruun explains.
The smiling norpa in the logo of the Finnish Nature Conservation Union is perhaps Erik Bruun’s best-known work. Finnish Nature Conservation Union
Teema & Femi’s new documentary follows Bruun’s everyday life in his Suomenlinna home. He still works there today, with no intention of stopping. Age is a bit of a burden, but work is also a beloved hobby.
Bruun has never used a computer as an aid. He doesn’t have an email account, let alone a cell phone. Bruun’s sons are responsible for online sales and license management Peter and Sebastian.
Erik Bruun has also created the beloved Jaffa advertising posters. IL archive
In the documentary, Bruun is seen at his exhibition organized in the fall of 2021, which was opened by Mrs. Jenni Haukio, current Ph.D. in Political Science. In the documentary, Haukio is asked about Bruun’s importance to Finnish graphic design.
– It is immeasurable. In his cultural significance and iconicity, he compares to, for example Tove Jansson’s To the Moomin or, for example, the national landscapes of Koli, Haukio describes.
Erik Bruun – one more job today at Teema & Femi at 20:25 and Areena. See all TV programs and broadcast times in Telku’s TV guide.