Symbiosis

Bringing untamed nature into the museum, this international group exhibition delves into the mysterious interactions between species, presenting fresh and vibrant works that illuminate the relationships between humans, other organisms, and the environment in unexpected ways. Nature and human existence are approached playfully, as intricate webs of interspecies interdependence. 

The featured artists explore nature’s diverse networks – especially those of the forest – through mediums including installation, painting, sculpture, ceramics, 3D animation, and photography. Some works are literally alive: visitors are invited, for example, to sow seeds and nurture growing trees. The themes, materials, methods, and life cycles of the artworks reflect the artists’ creative responses to the sustainability challenges of our time. 

Symbiosis awakens new perceptions of nature and humanity, drawing together ancient wisdom, scientific understanding, and radical artistic insight. 

The artists in the exhibition

Liina Aalto-Setälä, Gerbrand Burger / Thinking Forest, Eyes as Big as Plates (Karoline Hjorth & Riitta Ikonen), Alma Heikkilä, Kim Laybourn, nabbteeri, Raimo Saarinen and Diana Scherer.

Credits of the main photo: Alma Heikkilä, Installation view of After the Sun—Forecasts from the North at Buffalo AKG Art Museum, April 26-August 12, 2024. Image courtesy Buffalo AKG Art Museum. Photo: Jeff Maciejewski, Buffalo AKG Art Museum.