About Naisväki
Naisväki - Creatures of Power
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“A celebration and visual exploration of magical strong females, inspired by the Finno-Ugric mythology”
Naisväki, “Creatures of Power” is a creative collective exploring and expressing their vision on the female magical figure connected with the Finno-Ugric mythology. In today’s Finland, the role of women has reached one of the highest levels of equality in the world, it bases on the old traditions of strong, hardworking women that shaped the country, and on a strong sense of identity in the female roles as a leader and trustworthy motherly protector in control of her environment.
Members of the collective share a deep connection with the Finnish landscape, traditions, ideology and the natural wild female energy. Together they set up a visual experience for the viewer. It consists of 3D and 2D artwork where they envision in their very own style and language, what the magical depth of the old mythological world has inspired them to create.
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Ceramics, textile art, photography and forged iron - their crafts are versatile but as a team, they share a fascination to the depth and richness of the psychological and emotional realm provided by the mighty ladies of the Finno-Ugric mythology. The heroines in the unique defying and vast Nordic landscape have inspired them with ideas, stories and visions that - despite their different backgrounds and upbringing – unleashed a creative catharsis that brought all of their hearts together.
Their work is meant to convey the stories of the women of the ancient forest - the women who battled with wild creatures, the women who loved passionately, the women who made their way home through tough winters, and finally the women who became magical through folklore, made into goddesses and enchanted creatures with magical powers. It is because of them that these artists have found their own strength to create and to find their own power as women and creative beings.
Armed with clay, iron, camera and needle: this project is about creatures of power, dedicated to the power within every woman.
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Irma Heiskanen, eco-psychologist, textile artist, researcher (Finland)
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Sanna Pöyhönen, visual artist, ceramics teacher, D. Sc (tech) (the Netherlands / Finland)
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Ana Priscila Rodriguez, visual artist, photographer, tarot card specialist (the Netherlands / Mexico / Finland)
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Kirsi Vahtera, master blacksmith, designer, Kalevala enthusiast (Finland)
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