If We Grew Fins – Exhibition

Venue: University of Lapland, SEINÄ

The exhibition "If We Grew Fins" contemplates new hybrids formed by humans and plants. At Nätynginokka, buttercups and bluebells blossom. If we were hybrids between plants and humans, these plants could be a part of us. We might bloom as part of the annual cycle. We could become plant-women like Daphne and Flora. Fins made of yarrow could grow between our toes. Evolution could make speedwell grow from our eyebrows in summer, so our eyes would have shelter from the sun.

Even if nature does not physically grow into us, it is nevertheless a part of us. In Finnish and Karelian folk tradition, nature has been seen as a guardian spirit. The word for nature has also come to describe human and animal spiritual qualities—luonto (nature) and luonne (character)—so close in meaning.

When we swim, we are part of the underwater world. We are part of the organisms, plants, fish, the movement and sounds of water. While swimming, pieces of plants and lakebed silt cling to the skin. When diving, the water’s surface becomes a lid between two worlds. In the water, the body feels lighter.

The exhibition visualizes being by the water. The force of the ocean is so immense that its sounds and waves fill our bodies. When a big wave approaches, it sweeps you away. Walking in the waves or receiving them brings you back to childhood. There is a power greater than yourself, one you can surrender to.

Waters are also linked to family stories. As a child, I listened to countless tales of journeys on water at our Kostosaari cottage. The stories took us across Lake Haukivesi, on Lake Saimaa, and around the world by ship. Lake Zurich is my sister’s favorite place. Some winters, she swims there all year round.

The exhibition consists of five large mixed-media photographic prints and two photo installations. The works feature extended reality (XR). The pieces utilize AR technology, which allows them to be viewed through a smart device. The works are accompanied by the artist’s narratives and videos.

Thanks to those who performing in the photos and videos:
Sari Miettinen
Sampo Miettinen
Ruusu Pykäläinen

You can visit the extented reality for a sneak peak here:

https://bridge.artivive.com/projects?folder=688f2667d5a70bd96f20171d

Press photos

Press photos: Satu Miettinen