The “Climate Clock” initiative in Finland combines the talents of artists and scientists to raise awareness of the climate crisis through an art trail in Oulu, slated to open in June 2026. Curated by Alice Sharp, the project features seven outdoor installations celebrating the region’s natural beauty. Artists such as Rana Begum and others engage with scientific voices to reflect on the impacts of climate change in an artistic context.
A novel initiative in Finland aims to unite artists and scientists to create awareness regarding the climate crisis. Titled “Climate Clock,” this permanent public art trail will traverse Oulu, which has been designated as Europe’s Capital of Culture for 2026. The trail will prominently feature seven unique outdoor installations, each crafted by a partnership between an artist and a scientist, celebrating the region’s natural beauty.
Situated at the edge of the Arctic Circle, Oulu is experiencing climate change at an accelerated rate compared to global averages. Scheduled to launch in June 2026, this project is curated by Alice Sharp, the founder and artistic director of the UK-based environmental art organization Invisible Dust. With a decade and a half of experience intertwining the fields of art and science, Sharp expressed her enthusiasm about the project.
Sharp stated, “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.” She indicated the artists’ engagement with scientific environmental perspectives as they explore diverse subjects, such as the archaeological remnants of ancient spiritual practices and the urgent phenomenon of glacier melting.
Among the participating artists, Rana Begum from London collaborates with glaciologist Alun Hubbard from the University of Oulu. Begum’s work will manifest as an interactive sculpture series inspired by Oulu’s subarctic light and the complex forms of its sea ice, displayed prominently in the city’s central square.
Reflecting on her experiences, Begum remarked, “During my research visits to Oulu, I have been struck by the exceptional beauty of the low Arctic light,” recognizing the critical interaction between climate change and the dynamic Arctic landscape. She further noted, “This is the first time I have worked with a scientist and our conversations have brought new perspectives.”
Other artists involved in this climate-focused project include British-Nigerian ceramic artist Ranti Bam, Brussels-based visual artist Gabriel Kuri, Japanese sculptor Takahiro Iwasaki, Finnish multimedia artist Antti Laitinen, and the Danish art collective Superflex. Their collective efforts signify a vital fusion of artistic expression and scientific insight in addressing climate change.
In summary, the “Climate Clock” project in Finland exemplifies the collaborative efforts of artists and scientists to address the climate crisis. With a public art trail that engages the community through creative installations, this initiative seeks to raise awareness about environmental changes occurring in the Arctic region. Artists like Rana Begum, alongside their scientific partners, bring unique perspectives that highlight the urgency of climate action and the inherent beauty of nature.
Original Source: theartnewspaper.com
