Kirjo (“Spectrum”) is an exhibition that resembles a colourful piece of embroidery where contemporary art, handicrafts and duodji (Sámi handicrafts and creative expression) intersect. On display are works by artists from the Nordic countries and Sápmi, created using a variety of techniques. The common theme of the exhibition is the fundamental question of how humans can live more harmoniously and sustainably as part of the multi-species community on Earth.

The exhibition honours and celebrates the diversity of life and its eternal cycles. Stories of microscopic and cosmic proportions intersect, sometimes merge. The artworks encourage visitors to connect with their ancestors, gather seeds for the future and heal personal and collective traumas. Sometimes it is necessary to shed one’s skin, like a snake, and undergo a complete transformation, a metamorphosis.

The exhibition approaches contemporary crafts as a multifaceted, ever-changing phenomenon. Many of the artists in the exhibition skilfully combine the methods of contemporary art and crafts. Contemporary art, with its tendency to question deep-seated beliefs and conventions, along with the intimate relationship with materials and connection to the rhythms of nature characteristic of crafts, form a foundation for more sustainable and hopeful futures.

Artists of the exhibition:

Liina Aalto-Setälä (Finland)
Sara Blosseville (France/Finland)
Hanne Friis (Norway)
Ellen Grieg (Norway)
Sasha Huber (Switzerland/Haiti/Finland)
Kristin Larsson (Sweden)
Kim Laybourn (Denmark/Norway)
Sakari Matinlauri (Finland)
Christelle Mas (France/Finland)
Kirsti Muinonen (Finland)
Outi Pieski, Biret & Gáddja Haarla Pieski (Sápmi)
Anna Ting Möller (China/USA/Sweden)

The exhibition is curated by Ki Nurmenniemi.