In Oulu, Finland, the Climate Clock project unites artists and scientists to address climate change through a public art trail. Opening in June 2026, it will feature seven installations based on collaborative efforts. Curated by Alice Sharp, the project emphasizes the urgent impacts of climate change in the Arctic region. Artists like Rana Begum work alongside scientists like Alun Hubbard to create reflective art that communicates the reality of environmental changes.
In Finland, a new initiative blending art and science aims to enhance awareness of the climate crisis. The project, titled Climate Clock, will feature a permanent public art trail in Oulu, designated as Europe’s Capital of Culture in 2026. This trail will include seven site-specific outdoor installations created through the collaboration of selected artist-scientist partnerships, celebrating the region’s stunning natural landscapes.
Oulu, positioned near the Arctic Circle, is facing the swift impacts of climate change, making this project particularly relevant. The art trail is scheduled to open in June 2026, curated by Alice Sharp from Invisible Dust, an organization specializing in environmental art. Sharp’s extensive background collaborates artists and scientists to address pressing environmental issues.
Commenting on the urgency of climate change, Sharp remarked, “The climate clock is ticking, the snow is melting… nature keeps its own time.” She highlighted the artists’ integration of scientific insights into their work, noting a range of explorative themes from historical spiritual practices to the ongoing glacier melt.
One notable collaboration involves London-based artist Rana Begum and glaciologist Alun Hubbard from the University of Oulu. Drawing from Hubbard’s research on glacier melting rates, Begum is designing an interactive sculpture series that captures the essence of Oulu’s unique Arctic light and the formations of its sea ice, to be exhibited in the central square.
Begum expressed her findings from Oulu, stating, “During my research visits… I have observed the many shapes of the frozen and melting sea ice.” Interacting with Hubbard allowed her to gain insights regarding the evolving conditions of Arctic glaciers, marking her first experience working alongside a scientist.
Other contributors to the Climate Clock project include British-Nigerian ceramicist Ranti Bam, Belgian visual artist Gabriel Kuri, Japanese sculptor Takahiro Iwasaki, Finnish multimedia artist Antti Laitinen, and the Danish art collective Superflex.
The Climate Clock project in Oulu exemplifies a significant intersection of art and science aimed at addressing climate change. By utilizing engaging public installations, it seeks to deliver critical messaging about environmental degradation, particularly in light of the rapid changes illustrated through the experiences of artists and scientists alike. Scheduled for completion in June 2026, this initiative highlights the urgent need for collaborative efforts in combating climate challenges.
Original Source: theartnewspaper.com
