The exhibition Our natures – Interpretations of National Romanticism by the Finnish Museum of Photography's young adults' group Photofuss draws reflection on "Finnishness" today. The word nature in the title refers to human nature and natural environments—this duality is studied both together and independently in the exhibition. The works criticise and praise myths, question and reproduce beliefs, and create utopias by looking at things as a whole, with the love they deserve.
The exhibition is a multidimensional ensemble of forests, meadows, beaches, as well as seasons, bursts of creativity, a sense of familiarity, experiences, work, and stories. The group chose the topic of National Romanticism due to their shared interest in "Finnishness" and its manifestations. As our realities have recently shrunk to the size of our homeland, we have been forced to look at ourselves as a people and redefine some of our concepts and views. Who is the Aino or Tapio of our time, and in what kind of a world do they live?
From the members of the Photofuss group the exhibition Our natures – Interpretations of National Romanticism includes works by Lotta Böhm, Rami Farooq, Emilia Kärkäs, Milja Laakso, Ida Maijala, Teemu Nurmivuori, Sanna Nykänen, Lyy Raitala, Selma af Schultén, Tiia Schwartz, Elle Sumelius, Gülen Topaloglou, Matias Uusinoka, and Sofia Vuorenmaa. The group's coordinator Kataja Ekholm and members Tuukka Jaromaa and Ansa Matikainen have also contributed to organising the exhibition.
Photofuss is a group of young adults steered by the Finnish Museum of Photography that offers the opportunity to experience photographic culture and make art through collective work. The group's activities are based on experimentation and investigation and are guided by ideas and interests emerging from its members. Additionally, Photofuss plans and produces its own exhibitions. The group is formed for one year’s time, and there is an open call for new members each autumn.
The exhibition has been realised in collaboration with Cultural Factory Korjaamo, the Finnish Museum of Photography, and Photographic Gallery Hippolyte. The Photofuss group members created all of the images and text.
