In Finland, the “Climate Clock” initiative will establish a permanent public art trail featuring seven collaborative installations by artists and scientists in Oulu. Curated by Alice Sharp, this project aims to raise awareness about climate change, particularly as Oulu witnesses its effects more acutely than the global average. Contributions to the art trail include works from several notable artists, highlighting the interplay between art and science in addressing environmental issues.
In Finland, a significant initiative will unite artists and scientists to enhance awareness regarding the climate crisis. Titled “Climate Clock,” this project will establish a permanent public art trail in Oulu, which is recognized as Europe’s Capital of Culture in 2026. The trail will consist of seven distinctive outdoor installations crafted through collaborations between artist-scientist duos, celebrating the unique natural beauty of the region while addressing urgent environmental concerns.
Situated at the Arctic Circle, Oulu is experiencing climate change effects at an accelerated rate compared to the global averages. Scheduled to debut in June 2026, the art trail promises to engage audiences in critical discussions about climate issues. Alice Sharp, the curator and founder of the international environmental art organization Invisible Dust, brings her extensive background of over 15 years in working with both artists and scientists to this project.
Alice Sharp reflects on the urgency of the crisis, stating, “The climate clock is ticking, the snow is melting… time is not ours to command; that nature keeps its own time.” She has noted the innovative ways artists are integrating scientific environmental perspectives, from examining ancient spiritual practices to documenting glacial melting.
The trail’s artwork will showcase contributions from various artists, including London-based Rana Begum, who is collaborating with glaciologist Alun Hubbard from the University of Oulu. Their partnership aims to address the alarming rates of glacier melting in the Arctic. Begum is inspired by Oulu’s subarctic light and the forms of sea ice, which will influence her interactive sculpture series to be unveiled in Oulu’s central square.
In her narration, Rana Begum emphasized the beauty of Oulu’s Arctic landscape, stating, “During my research visits to Oulu, I have been struck by the exceptional beauty of the low Arctic light…” She conveyed the impactful dialogues with scientists, providing new insights on the realities of standing on a shifting glacier. Other contributing artists include British-Nigerian ceramic artist Ranti Bam, Brussels-based visual artist Gabriel Kuri, Japanese sculptor Takahiro Iwasaki, Finnish multimedia artist Antti Laitinen, and the Danish art collective Superflex.
This collaborative project between artists and scientists seeks to elevate climate crisis awareness through public art in Oulu. By integrating scientific insights with artistic expression, the initiative aims to facilitate deeper understanding of the urgent challenges posed by climate change. The diverse contributions from various artists will foster a rich dialogue surrounding the pressing realities of environmental transformation. The project underscores the necessity of interdisciplinary approaches to tackle the climate crisis effectively.
Original Source: theartnewspaper.com
