These questions have inspired Finnish artists from well-known classics like Jean Sibelius and Oskar Merikanto to contemporary innovators such as Matti Aikio and Paula Humberg. It is also a topic for these contemporary artists in Finland, whose surrounding nature adds spirit to their works.

For Finnish people, nature is always close, no matter where you are. However, the Finnish landscape can be both harsh and cold, as well as sweet and calming. This unique duality gives Finnish artists a distinctive perspective on the interplay between humans and nature.

Interested in reading more about their work? Check out the article in the comments, where 12 artists in share recount how their work reflects their thinking about biodiversity, ecosystems, land use, and the relationship between humans and nature. They also examine modern society, human beings, and questions of identity and community.

artists’ profiles: Minna Kurjenluoma