During a joint artist-in-residence stay at the Arctic bio-research station Kilpisjärvi (Bioart Society Finland/ University of Helsinki) in 2010, Helene von Oldenburg and Claudia Reiche developed two works that relate to a common theme: the relationship between culture and nature as produced by a scientific research context in a geographically exposed location.

“Human Impact – Environment of Kilpisjärvi Biological Station” (Helene von Oldenburg) and “Environmental Influence on Kilpisjärvi Biological Station’s human population” (Claudia Reiche) can be recognized as corresponding, almost symmetrical perspectives on the common question. Both artists will present their artistic results based on their work experiences in Lapland and talk about inclusions and exclusions in or from ‘nature’.

While prizewinner Axel Straschnoy’s work Kilpisjärvellä in the current exhibition attempts to present the extraordinary landscape of this region far removed from any human influence, it becomes clear here that human activity is penetrating ever further into even the most remote regions – and leaving its mark.