Exhibition 'Arcana Borealis': Northern Women Artists and Esotericism
The Latin words arcana and borealis mean "hidden knowledge" and "north," which are the foundation of the new exhibition at the Finnish National Gallery.
"Arcana Borealis - Northern Women and Esotericism" is the first major museum exhibition exploring how female artists from various Northern European countries and Sápmi have engaged with esotericism, spirituality, and alternative systems of knowledge from the 19th century to the present.
The exhibition features over 200 works by 50 artists, including well-known figures like Hilma af Klint, Tyra Kleen, and Tove Jansson.
Dr. Marja Lahelma, the chief curator of the Ateneum Art Museum, noted that the connection between contemporary art and esotericism has largely been viewed through the lens of male artists.
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"For a long time, art history has focused on male artists. We are shifting the focus to women and their collaborative efforts," Dr. Lahelma explained.
Art and Spirituality
Dr. Niina Kokkinen from the University of Turku added: "Arcana Borealis shows how the boundaries between art and spirituality blur when viewed through the lens of female artists."
The exhibition includes a wide range of materials, such as textiles, ceramics, prints, and traditional sacred art media like stained glass and mosaics.
Some of the artists featured in the exhibition mentioned being guided by a non-human force, whether it be angels, spirit guides, or, in some cases, the very essence found in nature.
Halloween and Kekri
Dr. Lahelma explained: "This is the perfect exhibition to visit on Halloween, or Kekri as we say in Finnish. Esotericism is linked to light and darkness. Through this esoteric theme, we can explore motifs in art such as death, and sometimes the hidden knowledge that lies at the core of esotericism can be found by exploring darkness rather than light."
The exhibition 'Arcana Borealis - Northern Women and Esotericism' at the Ateneum Art Museum, Finnish National Gallery, is open until February 28, 2027.
