The Climate Clock project in Finland will unite artists and scientists to create a permanent public art trail in Oulu, opening in June 2026. The trail will feature seven unique installations, each designed by an artist-scientist duo, addressing climate change impacts in the Arctic Circle. Curated by Alice Sharp, this initiative highlights the urgent need for climate awareness through art.
A collaborative initiative in Finland aims to highlight the climate crisis through a partnership between artists and scientists. Titled the Climate Clock, this project will feature a permanent public art trail in Oulu, which has been designated as Europe’s Capital of Culture for 2026. The trail will consist of seven outdoor installations, each conceived by an artist-scientist duo, showcasing the natural beauty of the area while addressing environmental issues.
As one of the northernmost cities situated at the Arctic Circle, Oulu has been experiencing the impacts of climate change more acutely than the global average. The opening of this trail is scheduled for June 2026 and is curated by Alice Sharp, the founder and artistic director of Invisible Dust, a UK-based international environmental art organization. Sharp brings 15 years of experience in merging the worlds of art and science in her work.
Alice Sharp stated, “The climate clock is ticking, the snow is melting, and we are learning anew what our forebears knew—that time is not ours to command; that nature keeps its own time.” She further expressed excitement about how artists involved in Oulu2026 have engaged with scientific environmental concepts, drawing from local archaeological and geological influences.
The London-based artist Rana Begum is collaborating with glaciologist Alun Hubbard from the University of Oulu for her installation. Her project will draw inspiration from the alarming pace of glacier melting in the Arctic, featuring interactive sculptures that reflect Oulu’s unique subarctic light and the shapes of melting sea ice. Begum noted the beauty of the low Arctic light and the transformative experience of observing ice dynamics in her work.
“This is the first time I have worked with a scientist, and our conversations have brought new perspectives,” remarked Begum, emphasizing the transcendence of artistic and scientific collaboration. In addition to Begum, notable contributors 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 group Superflex.
The Climate Clock initiative exemplifies an innovative approach to raising awareness about climate change through art and science. With the collaboration of various artists and scientists, the project promises to engage the public while celebrating the natural beauty of the Oulu region. This unique intersection offers new insights into environmental issues, fostering a deeper understanding of the climate crisis.
Original Source: www.theartnewspaper.com
