The “Climate Clock” project in Finland aims to unite artists and scientists to raise awareness about the climate crisis through a public art trail in Oulu, set to open in June 2026. Curated by Alice Sharp from Invisible Dust, the trail will include works from various artists, emphasizing the urgent effects of climate change in the region.
In Finland, a new initiative dubbed “Climate Clock” aims to unite artists and scientists to bring attention to the climate crisis. This project will feature a permanent public art trail in Oulu, designated as Europe’s Capital of Culture in 2026. The trail will comprise seven outdoor installations designed by collaborations between artists and scientists, all designed to celebrate the region’s unique natural environment.
Set to open in June 2026, the project is curated by Alice Sharp, the founder and artistic director of the UK-based environmental art organization, Invisible Dust. With over 15 years of experience with such collaborations, Sharp emphasizes the urgency of addressing climate change head-on. She states, “The climate clock is ticking, the snow is melting… nature keeps its own time.”
Among the contributors, London-based artist Rana Begum is collaborating with glaciologist Alun Hubbard from the University of Oulu. Begum’s work, inspired by research on glacier melting, will feature interactive sculptures reflecting Oulu’s subarctic light and sea ice designs, prominently displayed in the city’s central square.
Begum expressed her fascination with Oulu’s environment, remarking, “During my research visits… I have observed the many shapes of the frozen and melting sea ice.” Notably, this marks Begum’s first collaboration with a scientist, which has provided her with new perspectives on climate change’s impact on Arctic glaciers.
Additional artists participating in this ambitious project include British-Nigerian ceramic artist Ranti Bam, visual artist Gabriel Kuri from Brussels, Japanese sculptor Takahiro Iwasaki, Finnish multimedia artist Antti Laitinen, and the Danish art collective Superflex. Together, they will contribute to a compelling narrative surrounding climate awareness through their artistic expressions.
The Climate Clock project in Finland exemplifies a groundbreaking fusion of art and science aimed at raising awareness of the climate crisis. Through collaborations between notable artists and scientists, the initiative seeks to engage the public in crucial discussions about environmental changes, notably in Oulu, which is facing rapid climate effects. As the project unfolds, it promises to highlight the urgency of addressing climate challenges through creativity and innovation.
Original Source: www.theartnewspaper.com
