Arts in the Environment - Nordic Symposium (2017)

A multidisciplinary international symposium exploring intersections of environmental art and science, set on Helsinki's Vartiosaari island. As Project Coordinator and Exhibition Curator, I led both the practical implementation and artistic vision of this significant Nordic event.

Core Program Elements

• 10-day Artist Camp hosting 20 Nordic, Baltic, Russian, and German artists
• Exhibition running August 31 - October 8, 2017
• Seminar series
• Video and performance art evening
• Several long-term installations on Vartiosaari

Program Catalogue

• I co-edited and co-designed the program booklet
• You can access the full catalogue here.

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Curatorial Vision

The exhibition approached environmental art through three key perspectives:

1. Expanded Art Forms

• Traditional environmental art and sculpture
• Intangible and ephemeral works
• Participatory installations
• Performance-based pieces

2. Cross-Border Dialogue

• Artists from Nordic and Baltic countries, Russia, and Germany
• Focus on transcending national boundaries
• Emphasis on interconnected ecological systems
• Community-building through extended Artist Camp

3. Site-Specific Focus

• Integration with Vartiosaari's unique ecosystem
• Support for island's conservation efforts
• Dialogue between natural elements and cultural artifacts
• Exploration of urban biodiversity preservation

Environmental Impact

The symposium served multiple roles:

• Artistic platform for environmental dialogue
• Support for Vartiosaari's conservation
• Documentation of island's biodiversity
• Demonstration of sustainable art practices

Legacy

• Contributed to ongoing conservation efforts
• Established new networks among Nordic environmental artists
• Created model for future environmental art symposiums

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