Lay Of(f) the Land

Profoundly influenced by Nordic culture, landscape, and even weather, the Art Alliance of the Arctic South (A-A-A-S) consists of eight artists whose work spans medium and scale—from intricate collages and sculptural installations to evocative video pieces and design objects. The artists are Dragos Alexandrescu (RO/FI), Linnéa Therese Dimitriou (SE), Heidi-Anett Haugen (NO), Hann Kanto (FI), Lotta Lampa (SE), Patricia Rodas (FI), Anastasia Savinova (RU/SE) och Madelaine Sillfors (SE).  Their synergy stems from a shared ethos: a deep-rooted connection to nature, and a place-specific gaze upon environmental and cultural discourses. With this comes an unraveling of identity—both personal and collective. The vast, almost otherworldly Nordic landscapes serve as both muse and narrative, embodying themes of colonization both literal and figurative, ecological devastation, and the continual process of mourning and healing.

From their unique vantage points in peripheral locations, far removed from traditional art centers, the artists offer a distinct and intimate perspective, shedding light on worldwide socio-economic dilemmas and the imminent climate crisis. A heavy physical presence permeates their work, reflecting both past and present, tradition and contemporaneity. Vulnerability and empathy underscore their narratives, prompting deeper existential introspection as they urge viewers to ponder art’s pivotal role amidst global shifts, raising imperative questions about our shared future.

In essence, the A-A-A-S encapsulates a delicate balance between the old and the new, the local and the global. Presented within the very landscapes and cultural contexts that inspired the work, it invites reflection not only on identity, ecology, and resilience, but also on belonging. Building on earlier iterations presented in the United States—at the Swedish American Museum in Chicago and later at the Museum of Danish America in Iowa—Lay Of(f) the Land makes its homecoming to the Nordic countries with new works by the artists. Both intimate and expansive, it expands the dialogue to consider our collective path and the pressing need for change. Ultimately, it calls us inward—to the roots and to the self.

The exhibition has been produced by Vaasa Museums and curated by the working group: Noora Lehtovuori, Vasia Rigou, and Janna Sirén. The exhibition is supported by the Finnish Heritage Agency and Gröndahl Brother´s Foundation.