The Climate Clock project in Oulu, Finland, seeks to unite artists and scientists to address climate change through a public art trail. Opening in June 2026, the trail will feature installations by artist-scientist duos showcasing the region’s natural beauty and the impacts of climate change. The project highlights the urgency of the climate crisis, particularly as Oulu faces rapid environmental changes.
A new initiative in Finland aims to merge artistic expression with scientific inquiry in order to address climate change. Titled the Climate Clock, this project will establish a permanent public art trail within Oulu, the European Capital of Culture in 2026. The trail will consist of seven outdoor installations crafted by pairs of artists and scientists, showcasing the region’s unique natural beauty. Oulu, located near the Arctic Circle, is experiencing climate change more rapidly than other areas globally.
The Climate Clock trail is set to debut in June 2026 and is curated by Alice Sharp, a prominent figure in environmental art through her organization, Invisible Dust. With 15 years of experience collaborating with artists and scientists, Sharp emphasizes the urgency of addressing climate issues: “The climate clock is ticking, the snow is melting, and we are learning anew what our forebears knew—that time is not ours to command; that nature keeps its own time.”
Among the participating artists is London-based Rana Begum, who collaborates with glaciologist Alun Hubbard from the University of Oulu. Through their partnership, Begum will create interactive sculptures reflecting Oulu’s subarctic light and the unique contours of sea ice. She shared her fascination, stating, “During my research visits to Oulu, I have been struck by the exceptional beauty of the low Arctic light… Meeting glaciologist Alun… I realised how the entire Arctic ice world is in motion… due to climate change.”
The project features contributions from several talented artists, including British-Nigerian ceramic artist Ranti Bam, Brussels visual artist Gabriel Kuri, Japanese sculptor Takahiro Iwasaki, Finnish multimedia artist Antti Laitinen, and the Danish art collective Superflex. Each installation in the trail will celebrate the natural landscape while highlighting the urgency of climate action.
By blending artistic vision with scientific expertise, the Climate Clock initiative seeks to foster awareness and inspire action regarding the pressing climate crisis, particularly in vulnerable regions like Oulu.
The Climate Clock project in Oulu exemplifies the creative potential of collaborative efforts between artists and scientists. By integrating art installations that reflect and respond to climate change, the initiative aspires to raise awareness and provoke discourse within the community and beyond. This innovative approach underscores the urgency of addressing climate issues while celebrating the unique beauty of the Arctic region.
Original Source: theartnewspaper.com
