I am currently working on an exhibition called “Moved by Nature”. The exhibition will take place from September 21st to October 14th, 2017 at the Finlandia University Gallery in Hancock, Michigan. This exhibition is a collaboration between artists Taina Kontio and Riitta Ikonen. The inspiration for this exhibition comes from ancient Finnish and Kalevala mythologies, which often personify elements of nature and the flow of life and water. One of my artworks in this exhibition is titled “Piece of Heaven, Piece of Earth”. It is a collaborative piece featuring a digitally printed batiste cotton textile measuring 1.4 x 3 meters. The images on this textile represent the melting Kemijoki river in spring and clouds in the Rovaniemi sky. This textile work was inspired by my colleague Taina Kontio’s video art project called Riverness, which beautifully explores her family’s connection to water. I kindly invite the people of Hancock to contribute to the exhibition by bringing “a Piece of Earth,” such as a small plant from their homes or gardens. The hope is that the space in front of the textile will transform into a blooming autumn garden during the exhibition. While working on this artwork, I have been contemplating the eco-centered system of our ancestors. In Finland, we still have traditions of listening to nature and seek blessings from “Ahti,” our ancient God of Waters, when we go fishing. Similarly, many indigenous peoples around the world show respect to nature and seek permission before taking from it. Our modern system has become more human-centered, which is an improvement from placing industries at the center. However, there are individuals questioning whether we should consider ourselves as just one part of the system, rather than being in control of it. Some researchers and educators are doing valuable work by incorporating subjects like gardening into art and design curricula. Unfortunately, many students who come from crowded cities may not have had the opportunity to connect with plants or understand their roots. I believe that our exhibition is contributing to the ongoing dialogue about an eco-centered system. How do nature-centered mythologies manifest themselves in modern times?

Read about the exhibition at Finlandia University Gallery page.