Tribute to the animals
The project that has led to my exhibition has been a personal journey with these animals/species. I have always loved animals and nature. Although the animal is dead, I feel a sense of belonging to it and get close to it. All skulls and dead animals are treated with the utmost respect and within the limits of Finnish law.
The first works of art in human history are cave paintings of animals. The animals have always had a strong symbolic meaning in the culture both spiritually and with a view to our survival. In many indigenous peoples, animals were hunted only for food and all parts of the animal were used for something significant. The skulls were placed on the wall as a tribute to the highly esteemed animal and its important role in their survival.
In our society, the skull has taken on a different meaning. A picture of a skull can arouse discomfort and fear, thoughts about the short duration of life. In addition, today's man lives in conflict with nature. We have no respect for the wild animals and many live with totally unwarranted fears about them. Every day, large numbers of animals are killed, indoors and outdoors. Species are lost and humans continue to care about the same lifestyle. The animal has become a product that humans believe they own. With this way of thinking and the ruthless exploitation, things can go really wrong, as we have already experienced with an epidemic.
As an aspect, I hope with my images to evoke feelings about our own relationship to nature and what we as individuals can do to preserve it. Think about, what are we doing with the animals of the earth and the nature they live in? Without the animals we would not have come this far. They deserve our respect and a tribute.
Deer
Badger
Moose - found with antlers sawn-off
Squirrel
Crow
Bunny
Racoon dog
Rat
