The presentation by two award-winning photographers, Ritva Kovalainen and Sanni Seppo, titled “The Forest of the North Wind,” guides us into the natural forest. Through years of photographic and research work, they have produced a photographic art book and exhibition called “Pohjoistuulen metsä” (The Forest of the North Wind). This work serves as the concluding part of Ritva Kovalainen and Sanni Seppo’s forest trilogy, encapsulating thirty years of work on forest themes. Previous works include “Puiden kansa” (1997), which delves into Finnish forest mythology, and “Metsänhoidollisia toimenpiteitä” (2009), portraying aspects of forest management.
Ritva Kovalainen & Sanni Seppo
Ritva Kovalainen
Ritva Kovalainen is an acclaimed Finnish photographic artist whose numerous books, short films, public artworks, and exhibitions primarily explore the relationship between humans and nature. Kovalainen holds a Master of Arts degree and worked as a photography teacher at the University of Art and Design Helsinki (now part of Aalto University). Since 1992, Kovalainen has worked as an independent artist. In 2015, she was awarded the title of State Artist Professor by the Finnish government, and in 2023, she received an artist’s pension in recognition of her significant contributions to the field of creative arts. In addition to Finland, Kovalainen’s works have been exhibited in various European countries as well as in the United States and Japan.
“Photography became a part of my life in the early 1980s, and since then, it has been my work and companion. As an artist, I have been particularly interested in forests, trees, and landscapes, but also in humans themselves, often in relation to the biosphere around us. In my work, delving into the subject and producing knowledge are combined with writing and photography. The application of images and texts to different means of expression is an essential part of my practice.
Photography is the initial stage of this process, but equally important for the final outcome is what happens after taking the photograph: how to capture the aesthetic and spiritual integrity of the object, print, book, or film, creating a dialogue through photographs, hopefully unique and authentic.”
Sanni Seppo
Sanni Seppo is a Helsinki-based photographic artist who explores in her work the activism of communities defending their rights, the relationship between humans and nature, and the fragile dreams of living one’s own unique life. She is also interested in the possibilities of influencing through photography and serves as the co-artistic director of the Political Photography Festival.
“The camera is a tool for me to observe the surrounding world. Photography is also a way to access places that attract me and that I want to tell stories about. The journey has taken me to various communities where fragile dreams of a better world emerge. It has also taken me to the realm of our relationship with nature, both past and future. Particularly the forest is a treasure chest of subjects for me, offering endless inspiration.
My work is also about exploration, immersion, and experimentation with various forms of expression. Through my art I aim to influence society, highlight themes that are important to me and be a small, nagging stone in the shoe of the destructive development of nature and humanity.”
