Finnish photographer Terhi Asumaniemi opening reception is June 7

Birdsong by Terhi Asumaniemi

Terhi Asumaniemi’s Mindscapes – Forest Narratives to be on display June 7 through July 20

Finlandia University Gallery will present the work of Finnish visual artist Terhi Asumaniemi.  Mindscapes – Forest Narratives, a photography exhibit will be on display at the Finlandia University Gallery, located in the Finnish American Heritage Center, Hancock, from June 7 to July 20, 2018.

An opening reception for the public will take place at the gallery on Thursday, June 7, from 7 to 8:30 p.m.with an artist talk beginning at 7:20 p.m.  The reception is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served.

Terhi Asumaniemi

Photographing the changing forests and mire landscapes of Southern Finland, Terhi Asumaniemi examines our relationship with nature and how it is shaped by the cultural attitudes of the times and the moral and spiritual connections humans have with the environment. As forest industry has expanded in Finland, the forests of the artist’s childhood look different and mysterious to her now. Her poetic landscapes delve deeply into the interwoven relationship of humans and their environment.

The Dawn – Pigment print by Terhi Asumaniemi

“My own roots are in the rugged deep forests of Southern Finland,” said Asumaniemi. “According to research and oral tradition this area was in olden times inhabited by a mythical, indigenous people, which has been characterized as ’the Sami people’ of the South. This vanished folk lived in the wooded areas up to the start of the modern age eventually blending into the main population. These days there is dispute about their real origin (about who they really were), however, they still live on in stories and legends.

“In my work I follow old stories deep into the forest where the real landscapes meet the way others describe, comprehend and interpret their life-worlds resulting in various states of mind. The creatures of the forest show themselves in the firelight, the ancient sea washes the rocks of the water spirits and the wanderer is lead to the expansive mire landscapes by those who watch over the deer.”

Asumaniemi lives and works in Tampere, Finland.?She received an M.A. in photography and visual journalism from Aalto University School of Arts, Design and Architecture, Helsinki, Finland (2012), and a B.A. degree from Willem de Kooning Academy, Rotterdam, The Netherlands (1998).

Asumaniemi`s work has been exhibited in solo exhibits in Finland, the Netherlands and Estonia and has been displayed in numerous group exhibitions both in Finland and abroad. She has received grants from Frame Contemporary Art Finland, the Finnish Cultural Foundation, Arts Promotion Centre Finland, and the Arts Council of Pirkanmaa.  She served as Chairman of the Board of the Photographic Centre Nykyaika from 2014-2017.

Terhi Asumaniemi: Mindscapes – Forest Narratives will be on display at the Finlandia University Gallery through July 20, 2018. The Finlandia University Gallery is in the Finnish American Heritage Center, 435 Quincy Street, Hancock. Gallery hours are Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information, call 906-487-7500. Learn more about this exhibit, other exhibits and the Finlandia University Gallery in general by visiting finlandia.edu/universitygallery.