An Abandoned Island Is Hosting the First Helsinki Biennial

A promising new event in the world of art.

Art
2.5K 1 Comments

Vallisaari Island, an abandoned island off the coast of Helsinki, Finland is hoisting the city’s inaugural Biennial. The island has been repurposed quite a few times over the last 200 years — from being a Swedish military outpost in the 19th Century, to changing hands to the Russians, then finally to the Finns. However, the tiny island has been left to nature since the 1990s, resulting in a rich ecosystem, much of which is hands-off to institutions in order to protect the wildlife.

As the first Helsinki Biennial, the organization has curated a body of work from an international cast of artists — all of which was “developed with environmental concerns and local species in mind,” according to the biennial co-curator, Pirkko Siitari. Some of the works also connect back to the islands military history, such as in South Korean artist, Hayoun Kwon’s animated work 489 Years, which speaks on soldiers’ experience with PTSD.

Only a 15 minute ferry from the Finnish capital, the Helsinki Biennial is certainly a promising event going forward. One that will invite a multidisciplinary host of creatives to create art that works harmoniously with the corresponding habitats on the island. The event will also work in accordance with the city of Helsinki’s 2035 carbon neutrality goal by utilizing the EcoCompass sustainability management system. The inaugural edition of the show is on view until September 26.

Elsewhere in art, MUDEC will unveil a new exhibition showcasing the artistic process behind Disney’s iconic films.

Helsinki Biennial
Yrjönkatu 21B,
5th floor,
00099 Helsinki

Read Full Article

What to Read Next

Nina Beier Explores the Hidden Biographies of Everyday Objects
Art

Nina Beier Explores the Hidden Biographies of Everyday Objects

Her latest show ‘Parts’ is on view at the Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma in Helsinki.

Stone Island Marina FW24 Is Technical and Nautical
Fashion

Stone Island Marina FW24 Is Technical and Nautical

Pictured in a David Sims-shot campaign starring artist Alexandre Diop.

Aalto2 Museum Celebrates the Fusion of Skateboarding and Architecture
Design

Aalto2 Museum Celebrates the Fusion of Skateboarding and Architecture

A series of exhibitions united by Alvar Aalto’s kidney-shaped pool at his Villa Mairea.


For ‘I Thought I Lost It!’, Inclusion Is an Act
Art

For ‘I Thought I Lost It!’, Inclusion Is an Act

Featuring the works of Oum Jeongsoon, Chiharu Shiota, and Ding Yi.

For $65, It’s Hard to Go Wrong With the Nike GTS
Footwear

For $65, It’s Hard to Go Wrong With the Nike GTS

A no-frills canvas sneaker from the ’90s that’s cheap, versatile and classic is returning.

CASETiFY and KFC Serve up Tasty Accessories Collaboration
Tech & Gadgets

CASETiFY and KFC Serve up Tasty Accessories Collaboration

“It’s Finger Lickin’ Good”.

Louis De Guzman Teases Second New Balance 574 Collaboration
Footwear

Louis De Guzman Teases Second New Balance 574 Collaboration

The Chicago-based artist and New Balance are cookin’ up again.

FX Released the Official Trailer for ‘Impeachment: American Crime Story’
Entertainment

FX Released the Official Trailer for ‘Impeachment: American Crime Story’

With Monica Lewinsky as an executive producer.

ASICS' GEL-Kayano Trainer 21 Arrives in Two Monochromatic Makeups
Footwear

ASICS' GEL-Kayano Trainer 21 Arrives in Two Monochromatic Makeups

“Carrier Grey/Habanero” and “Wood Crepe/Fresh Ice” feature monochromatic color schemes accented by colorful GEL cushioning.


Bugatti Enters Production for Bolide Hyper Sports Car
Automotive

Bugatti Enters Production for Bolide Hyper Sports Car

Limited to 40 units.

PacSun's New Arrivals are Driven by Denim and Bold Graphics
Fashion 

PacSun's New Arrivals are Driven by Denim and Bold Graphics

Presented by PacSun
With styles from Budweiser, Mitchell & Ness, Playboy and more.

Travis Scott Links With mastermind JAPAN for a Surprise Mini Collection
Fashion

Travis Scott Links With mastermind JAPAN for a Surprise Mini Collection

Available on the rapper’s store now.

Jordan Brand Uncovers an Air Jordan 1 Low "Pollen" Colorway
Footwear

Jordan Brand Uncovers an Air Jordan 1 Low "Pollen" Colorway

MJ’s low-cut model gets served up with a seasonally-appropriate makeover.

MUDEC Milan Will Guide You Through the Artistry Behind Disney’s Animation Process
Art

MUDEC Milan Will Guide You Through the Artistry Behind Disney’s Animation Process

An exhibition on view from September 2 to February 13.

More ▾
 
We got you covered. Don’t miss out on the latest news by signing up for our newsletters.