A new public art trail named Climate Clock will be launched in Oulu, Finland, in June 2026, featuring seven installations by artist-scientist collaborations. This initiative aims to raise climate change awareness as Oulu experiences rapid environmental changes. Curated by Alice Sharp of Invisible Dust, the project showcases unique artistic interpretations informed by scientific research.
A new initiative in Finland aims to unite artists and scientists to enhance awareness of the climate crisis. The project, titled Climate Clock, will establish a permanent public art trail in Oulu, the European Capital of Culture for 2026. This trail will feature seven outdoor installations created by collaborations between artist-scientist pairs, showcasing the region’s natural beauty. Located at the Arctic Circle, Oulu is witnessing the impacts of climate change at a rate exceeding the global average.
Scheduled for inauguration in June 2026, the art trail is curated by Alice Sharp, the founder and artistic director of Invisible Dust, a UK-based organization focused on environmental art. Sharp brings 15 years of experience in bridging the gap between artistic and scientific communities. She expressed her excitement about the project’s potential and emphasized the urgency of climate awareness, noting how artists are responding to scientific insights related to ancient practices and modern-day glacier melt.
One notable collaboration involves London-based artist Rana Begum and glaciologist Alun Hubbard from the University of Oulu. Begum’s installation aims to highlight the rapid melting of Arctic glaciers, inspired by Oulu’s unique subarctic light and the fascinating shapes of its sea ice. Begum, originally from Bangladesh, a nation significantly impacted by climate change, shared her reflections on her Oulu visits and the dramatic changes occurring in the Arctic environment.
She stated, “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, where I have observed the many shapes of the frozen and melting sea ice.” This project marks her first collaborative work with a scientist, which has provided her with profound insights regarding the dynamic state of glaciers.
In addition to Ms. Begum, the Climate Clock project includes contributions from other prominent artists such as Ranti Bam, Gabriel Kuri, Takahiro Iwasaki, Antti Laitinen, and the Danish art group Superflex, each bringing their artistic perspectives to this critical environmental initiative.
The Climate Clock project represents a significant intersection of art and science aimed at addressing the pressing concerns of climate change. By fostering collaborations between diverse artists and scientists, it seeks to raise awareness of the environmental challenges faced by the Arctic region. The project not only highlights the urgent need for climate action but also transforms public spaces into areas of reflection and engagement through art.
Original Source: theartnewspaper.com
