As a conceptual artist Antti Laitinen who has a background in photography and performance art, primarily stages performances in the Nordic natural environment that he then documents or records. Many of his projects involve open-ended, experimental, or durational activities, exploring themes of chance, endurance, communion with nature, absurd humor, and the passage of time. In his works Laitinen has studied the relationship between man and nature, often testing his own limits. Laitinen has shown his work in numerous solo and group exhibitions around the world including Venice Biennale 2013. anttilaitinen.com
Hanna Saarikoski is a visual artist who graduated from the Finnish Academy of Fine Arts in 2008. Her work combines drawing and painting with video, installation, and performance in an original and multi-layered way. Many of her latest works use charcoal as a material and a conceptual starting point.
Saarikoski’s works have been on display in numerous solo and group exhibitions in Finland including Mänttä Art Festival 2012, Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova in Turku, Kiasma and Espoo Museum of Modern Art. www.hannasaarikoski.com
Their artwork “Phoenix Tree” is located at the environmental art park of Ii.
In the midst of the spruce stand is a charred circular campfire base. A wooden trunk assembled from charred pieces of wood rises from the base.
