Karelian Contemporaries

Through contemporary art, this exhibition explores what it means to be Karelian at a time when questions of roots, identity, and transgenerational memory have taken on renewed significance. In recent years, interest in family histories and the experiences of displaced Karelians has grown, particularly in the context of Russia’s war against Ukraine.

The exhibition approaches Karelian identity as multifaceted and evolving. Rather than seeking a single definition of what it means to be Karelian, it embraces the idea of multiple Karelian identities – different ways of belonging, remembering, and connecting with culture. The works on display explore themes of identity, silence, grief, and the revitalisation of language and cultural traditions. Karelian heritage is also reflected in the materials, techniques, and visual expressions employed by the artists.

The participating artists come from diverse backgrounds. Many are second- or third-generation descendants of displaced Karelians or people with refugee backgrounds, each examining questions of heritage and belonging from their own perspective. The exhibition is grounded in a three-year research project and contributes to ongoing discussions about how younger generations are engaging with history and cultural heritage in new ways. The exhibition’s visiting curator is Suvi Saloniemi.

The artists in the exhibition

Lauri Greis, Henna Hyvärinen, Antrea Kantakoski, Hannele Kumpulainen, Mikki Noroila, Reeta Suvanto and Lumi Tuomi