Defending forests for thirty years – Exhibition by photographers Ritva Kovalainen and Sanni Seppo – Forests of the North Wind at the Ostrobothnian Museum

The forest trilogy by Ritva Kovalainen and Sanni Seppo is a blend of art and research that explores the forest from many different perspectives. The first part of the trilogy, Tree People (1997), focuses on Finnish forest mythology and traditional beliefs and rituals related to the forest, while the second part, Silvicultural Operations (2009), takes a critical look at the negative aspects of forestry and the effects of intensive forest management. Forests of the North Wind (2024) completes the trilogy by offering a comprehensive overview of Finland’s natural forest ecosystems and their conservation needs.

Forests of the North Wind is part of a larger project, which also includes a photographic non-fiction book of the same name, published in 2023. The book was shortlisted for the 2023 Finlandia Prize for Non-Fiction. This year, the two artists were awarded the State Award for Public Information in recognition of their significant work.

Focus on forest biodiversity

The central theme of the exhibition is to highlight natural forests as life-sustaining, diverse spaces where trees of various ages and species grow, and a multitude of organisms thrive. Kovalainen and Seppo’s photographs depict the last remaining natural forests in Finland, particularly those in protected areas from North Karelia to Lapland. In other regions, natural forests have almost disappeared, and only small fragments remain.

The photographs show the rich forest ecosystem, where communities of trees, plants, fungi, animals and other organisms live in constant interaction with each other. In their works, Kovalainen and Seppo emphasise that these forests are not only beautiful landscapes but also play a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity and serving as carbon stores.

Forests of the North Wind also raises timely and critical questions about the current state of forests and their future challenges. Most of Finland’s forests are used for commercial purposes, making natural forests increasingly rare. In their exhibition, Kovalainen and Seppo address the endangerment and loss of forests, as well as ways to preserve our remaining natural forests.

Long-standing photographers

Both Ritva Kovalainen and Sanni Seppo are accomplished, award-winning photographers. Their photography combines artistic expression with informative content. The exhibition not only presents beautiful nature photographs but also challenges viewers to reflect on their own relationship with nature and the forest. Through their art, the two artists wish to stimulate debate on how we can impact the environment and protect its biodiversity. At the same time, they offer their audience ways to better understand the importance of forests as both a spiritual and an ecological resource.

Kovalainen’s artistic work has received a lot of recognition both in Finland and internationally. She is particularly known for her work on the human relationship with nature and has exhibited her work in Europe, the United States, and Japan. Kovalainen has received several accolades, including the Finnish State Artist Professor Grant in 2015 and an artist pension in 2023.

Sanni Seppo’s work focuses on social issues, the relationship between humans and nature, and the activism of communities in defending their rights. She is also the artistic director of the Festival of Political Photography, and her work has been featured in many international exhibitions.

The exhibition has received support from the Finnish Heritage Agency and Brothers Gröndahl Foundation and will be on display at the Ostrobothnian Museum from 5 October 2024 to 27 April 2025. Before Vaasa, the exhibition has toured art museums in Lappeenranta, Turku and Kajaani, among others, breaking attendance records.

What does the forest photo communicate, Ostrobothnia?

In conjunction with the exhibition, the artists invite the public to photograph nature, with a particular focus on the forest.

– Everyone is welcome to participate, but the scope is limited to forests in the Vaasa and Ostrobothnia region, says Curator, Vaasa Museums Noora Lehtovuori.

The submitted photographs will be analysed at a public event on Saturday, 15 March 2025. All participants will be entered into a draw for three Museum Cards and three copies of the Forests of the North Wind book. Participation is open until 28 February 2025. Participation instructions can be found on the Vaasa Museums website.

The Ostrobothnian Museum will also host an artist talk with Ritva Kovalainen on Saturday, 16 November 2024.