Experiences of the forest and in the forest, through landscapes of art.

A new exhibition, Nemus – Metsä (Forest), signals the start of spring at Glasshouse Helsinki. 

Opening on 10 March in the 2nd floor gallery space, it comprises eight weeks of events and an art exhibition curated by gallerist Veikko Halmetoja.  

The exhibition and the accompanying events at Glasshouse Helsinki are an invitation to experience the many dimensions of the forest within the domains of art, science, and design.

The Nemus – Metsä exhibition provokes both questions and discussion. It dives deep into the heart of the forest and natural landscapes. The experience is private for everyone, yet its meaning is universal.

Gallerist Veikko Halmetoja describes the exhibition as follows: ”The forest has been a central topic in Finnish art ever since it was given a role in building our national identity. Since then, the forest has consistently appeared in imagery from near abstract landscapes to extremely figurative depictions of the timber industry. Now we’re focusing on the forest as part of our way of life and identity. Nor do we forget the forest as property for which we bear a great responsibility. Contemporary artists take a more conceptual approach to the forest than the previous generations. The forest is a place, but it is also a metastory, an adventure, and a fairy-tale. In Finnish art, it’s also a physical resource: wood, rock, and paper. The forest leaves no one cold. It offers protection to the body and the mind.”

The exhibition will be accompanied by talks, with artists and experts from different industries invited as guest speakers. These talks will revolve around the forest at large, the forest in art, the climate crisis, everyman’s rights, the forest industry, and forest ownership. The forest within us and around us. Artists, academics, researchers, industry thinkers, corporate executives, and influencers from cultural scenes will share their thoughts and invite the audience to join in.

We expect a series of unusual, fascinating encounters.

The artists:
Vesa Aaltonen / Kari Cavén / Noora Geagea / Jaakko Kahilaniemi / Jan Kaila / Eetu Kevarinmäki / Tiina Kivinen / Kaisu Koivisto / Ritva Kovalainen / Inari Krohn / Milla Kuisma / Janne Laine / Marko Lampisuo / Juha Laakkonen / Esko Männikkö / Mari Paikkari / Sanni Seppo / Saara Renvall / Janna Syvänoja / Matti Söderkultalahti / Samppa Törmälehto / Kirsimaria E. Törönen / Niina Villanueva

Glasshouse Helsinki gallery is a place for art, design, new ideas, thoughts and innovations.

Glasshouse Helsinki gallery
Aleksanterinkatu 13, 2nd floor, 00100 Helsinki

View opening hours here