Artists and Scientists Collaborate on Climate Crisis Project in Finland
A new project named “Climate Clock” in Oulu, Finland, will unite artists and scientists to raise awareness about the climate crisis. The initiative will feature a public art trail comprising seven installations created by artist-scientist duos. Curated by Alice Sharp, the project aims to highlight the rapid effects of climate change in one of the world’s northernmost cities, set to open in June 2026.
A new initiative in Finland aims to unite artists and scientists with the goal of raising awareness regarding the climate crisis. Titled “Climate Clock,” this permanent public art trail will traverse Oulu, designated as Europe’s Capital of Culture in 2026. The trail will showcase seven outdoor installations, each crafted by an artist-scientist team, highlighting the region’s exquisite natural environment. Situated near the Arctic Circle, Oulu is experiencing climate change significantly more rapidly than the global average.
Scheduled to debut in June 2026, the art trail is curated by Alice Sharp, the founder and artistic director of Invisible Dust, an international environmental art organization based in the UK. With over 15 years of experience in integrating artistic expression with scientific inquiry, Sharp is enthusiastic about the project, stating, “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.”
Artist Rana Begum will collaborate with glaciologist Alun Hubbard from the University of Oulu for her installation. Inspired by Hubbard’s research on the rapid melting of Arctic glaciers, she intends to create an interactive series of sculptures that reflect Oulu’s subarctic light and the unique formations of its sea ice, to be exhibited in the city’s central square.
Begum expressed her fascination with Oulu’s striking natural beauty, stating, “During my research visits to Oulu, I have been struck by the exceptional beauty of the low Arctic light, along with the wonderful walks along the seafront.” She added that working with a scientist has opened new perspectives for her, particularly regarding the dynamics of melting glaciers.
Other participating artists include British-Nigerian ceramicist Ranti Bam, Brussels-based visual artist Gabriel Kuri, Japanese sculptor Takahiro Iwasaki, Finnish multimedia artist Antti Laitinen, and the Danish art collective Superflex. Each artist aims to contribute to creating impactful public artworks that respond to the urgent message of climate change awareness.
The Climate Clock project in Oulu represents a significant fusion of art and science aimed at confronting the realities of climate change. Through collaborations between distinguished artists and scientists, the project seeks to engage the public and foster awareness of this urgent crisis. By showcasing the stunning beauty of the Arctic landscape, the installations will serve as poignant reminders of the ongoing environmental challenges.
Original Source: theartnewspaper.com
