The Vapaa '22 Graduation Catalogue Awarded in the "Most Beautiful Books of 2022" Competition

In 2022, the visual identity and catalogue of the graduation exhibition were redesigned. A new visual symbol was created specifically for the graduation exhibition, to be adapted in different colour variations in the future. The concept and design layout, including the award-winning cover, were all created by graphic designer Pekka Toivonen.

The logo of the graduation exhibition is based on the Free Art School’s three-square emblem, originally designed by painter Jorma Hautala.

Vapaa '22 was nominated in the art books category. In addition to presenting the work of nine graduating painters, the catalogue includes essays by the school’s rector, painter Elina Merenmies, and adjunct professor Juha-Heikki Tihinen. The editors of the publication were the school’s administrative director Meri Karppanen and graduating students Enni Honkanen and Ida Lahtinen. The catalogue was printed by Tallinna Raamatutrükikoda.

According to the Finnish Book Art Committee, their goal is to draw attention to books as artistic entities. "In selecting the year’s most beautiful books, the committee looks for works where form and content support each other harmoniously. Evaluation is based on the overall graphic design—from typography to the finished printed product. Alongside traditional craftsmanship, the committee values fresh and innovative design solutions."

The committee also aims to highlight the importance of high-quality Finnish cover design: “Book covers give text a face—and they play a central role in the book’s marketing.”

The collaboration between the Free Art School and designer Pekka Toivonen continues. The Vapaa '23 graduation exhibition catalogue is nearing completion, and the exhibition will open on Friday, 12 May.