LINTUKOTO – Outi Piiroinen

Pencil drawings, miniature sculptures, installation art from 2018–2023

In my art, I explore Finnish identity from various perspectives, using different media and contexts—both as a continuum spanning generations and in the present moment. A central thread in my critical reflection is the Finnish relationship with nature, particularly questioning where our constant pursuit of an easier life ultimately leads.

The theme is examined simultaneously from multiple viewpoints. As a counterpart to Finns, I have chosen Finland’s richly diverse birdlife, providing ample points of comparison. This juxtaposition allows people and birds, nature and the built environment, to merge and blend into one another. The result may be absurd, yet it fosters a deeper understanding of our similarities—our needs, habitats, challenges, and, most importantly, the realization that we are part of nature, not above it.

My works are characterized by an abundance of perspectives and details, humor, and themes of contrast and opposition. My goal is to create an engaging way to highlight the balanced significance of humanity’s relationship with nature, as we all have a duty to pause and reflect: What is the state of Finland’s so-called paradise?

Outi Piiroinen (b. 1986) is a visual artist based in Joensuu. She considers herself primarily a draughtswoman, though she works across various techniques and often takes a material-driven approach. She is particularly inspired by discarded materials, making sustainability a significant aspect of her art. The artist’s values and lifestyle are strongly reflected in her work’s core themes, and the title “From the happiest nation on Earth” never quite leaves its representative in peace.

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