Dance-performance in the Forests of the North Wind exhibition

Performance
Evoking relational memories of Pine, Spruce, Juniper, Birch, Moss, Lichen, Stone
12 October
10.00 – 15.30
Ostrobothnian Museum

How do we listen to the laments of the land? How might our bodies, through sound and movement, attune to the subtle rhythms of plant life and the ecosystems that surround us?
Through sensuous approaches, we seek ways of being with the ecology that embrace the complex and often contradictory relationships between humans and the more-than-human world.
As a witness, we invite you to explore the resonance of evocation through sound and movement with us, the emotional and ecological dimensions it holds, and its ability to foster deeper connections with the interwoven fabric of life.
The performance takes place in dialogue with the depicted forest land and all of its diverse elements in the exhibition Forests of the North Wind by artists Ritva Kovalainen and Sanni Seppo. Like the exhibition, the performance reflects on the fragile connections between humans and the more-than-human world, emphasizing the importance of preserving these ecosystems and the wisdom they hold.
The unfolding of this choreographic practice has taken place in Ekeby Nature Reserve, southwest of Stockholm, and Öjen Nature Forest close to Vasa, within the framework of the research project Performing Ecologies, initiated by Rickard Borgström.
CREATION by Rickard Borgström IN CLOSE COLLABORATION WITH DANCERS Rebecca Chentinell and Mikko Hyvönen.
Evoking relational memories of Pine, Spruce, Juniper, Birch, Moss, Lichen, Stone is produced by Vaasan museot & Regional Dance Center of Ostrobothnia, and supported by Föreningen Konstsamfundet and Oskar Öflunds Stiftelse, and it is made possible thanks to the generosity and devotion from the team.

Post-Performance Talk
12 October 16.00 -17.00
Ostrobothnian Museum

After the performance Evoking relational memories of Pine, Spruce, Juniper, Birch, Moss, Lichen, Stone join us for a conversation with the performers, Leena Nyqvist, that host the performance and the exhibition Forests of the North Wind and Eleni Pierides, Manager of the Regional Dance Center. Together, we will explore the shared themes of ecological relationships, more-than-human connections, and how both the exhibition and the performance engage with the natural world. This discussion will offer insights into the creative process behind the work, the inspiration from forest ecosystems, and the role of art in reimagining our connection to nature. We welcome your reflections, questions, and contributions to the conversation.

• Leena Nyqvist, Head of Public Program Vaasan museot
• Eleni Pierides, Manager of the Regional Dance Center of Ostrobothnia
• Rickard Borgström, DACE – Dance Art Critical Ecology, Curator & Performance Maker
• Rebecca Chentinell, DACE – Dance Art Critical Ecology, Curator & Choreographer
• Mikko Hyvönen, Choreographer & Dancer