RIP Finnish Photographer Jouko Lehtola

‘Untitled,’1995, from the series ‘Young Heroes’

Our favorite Finnish photographer, Jouko Lehtola, passed away in 2010. His photos were some of the most honest portrayals of Finnish youth we’ve ever seen.  
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​ Before he passed away, Jouko had said: “I know that I’m not going to have kids, that my works are my children. My exhibitions and my images. They will live after I’m gone. In their own silent way they will tell what was relevant in me. How I saw and how I felt.” ​

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‘​Untitled (Under the Tree),’ 1996, from the series ‘Young Heroes’

Now  ​​the Jouko Lehtola Foun​dation is organizing an exhibition titled Jönssi at the ​Lasipalatsi G​allery in Helsinki. Jönssi opened last night, and its aim is to raise funds and offer grants to young documentary photographers so that Lehtola’s spirit can live on through the work of others. Hundreds of prints will be available for sale at the exhibition, printed by Lehtola himself. 

Jönssi runs until November 16 at the Lasipalatsi Gallery in Helsinki, Finland. See more of Jouko’s photos ​​here. 

‘Untitled (Urban Youth),’ 1998–1999, from the series‘Young Heroes’

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​ ‘Untitled (Buddies)’, 1996, from the series ‘Young Heroes ‘

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‘Untitled (Nivala),’ 1996, from the series ‘Young Heroes’

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‘​Untitled (Panda Boy),’ 1996, from the series‘Young Heroes’