Kelaranta’s work emphasizes the need for renewal and freshness. He speaks of the testimony of the image: It ultimately exists only in itself, in itself, not through explanation. It’s best if the recipient just looks at the picture, looks and thinks, without feeling the need to put what they see in any frame.

Since the 1970s, Kelaranta has had about one hundred solo exhibitions in Finland and other countries, and has participated in as many group exhibitions. Works are included in the collections of Kiasma, Moderna Museet and Bibliothèque Nationale. He has been a professor at the University of Art and Design Helsinki (Aalto University) and has influenced the development of several artists. He was awarded the State Prize in 1985 and 1992, and the 2013 Pro Finlandia Medal. The 68-year-old artist enjoys making art more than ever.