A close relationship with nature, nature mysticism and the use of ecological and recycled materials are essential starting points for the work of many of the artists. The works use a variety of surface materials, media and techniques, and are united by a slow, often meditative rhythm of making. The precise and meticulous work can also be seen as a protest against the hectic pace of modern life.

Relationship with the forest here refers to an individual’s living and interactive relationship with the forest as part of a wider environmental relationship. The relationship with the forest is influenced by everyone’s life history, living environment and shared cultural beliefs. It is also possible to rekindle a relationship with the forest that has faded. Our relationship with forests can be expressed in opinions, values and attitudes even without direct contact with the forest. Many people are concerned about the state of local forests, the disappearance of urban and semi-urban forests, and the impact of forestry and forest-based industries on nature. Discussing and visualising the different relationships between forests can, at best, encourage interaction and reconciliation of different views and values. Viewed through art, private experiences can become common and shared.

From this Neck of the Woods exhibition presents new acquisitions and artists with connections to our region. Most of the works in the exhibition have been acquired for the collections of the Oulu Art Museum and the Oulu City Collection during 2020–2024, but there are some older acquisitions also. The exhibition is part of the work of the regional art museum work and is curated by Hanna-Leena Ruottinen, a regional art researcher at the Oulu Art Museum.