– Bodies, Fish and Flying Ground
the Kalevala and the imagery of Akseli Gallen-Kallela.
An exhibition by the German artists Thomas May and Kim Rathnau,
as a recollection of past experiences from the Old Harbour Art Trail.Pop Up-Glasshouse, Market Square, Jakobstad
Opening: Friday, February 20, 2026 4–6 pm
Open: day and night, February 20 – March 1, 2026
The event is supported by Svenska Kulturfonden and Jakobstad Culture
Media is talking about us: Österbottens Tidning, Feb. 19th 2026
THOMAS MAY, Germany
The Flying Grass Islands belong to a series of site specific installations in the public space by Thomas May’s GrashalmInstitute, that research the relationship between Grass and Human being. As a place of longing for Nature the Flying Grass Islands invites to a contemplatively observation from the shore of a small pond. Initially the islands are made with perfect lawns that over time become overgrown by the colonization of surrounding plants. The human idea of perfect nature slowly fades away as an untouched biotope emerges. This slow process of change can be observed from the pond shore at the Old harbour in Pietarsaari.
KIM RATHNAU (Germany) is an eco artist and art educator. Her interdisciplinary work ranges from prints and sculptures to installations and performances. She is particularly interested in the structures of nature – how everything is connected and what conditions the relationships between human and non-human beings in the light of climate change and loss of species. Her art moves between natural spaces and materials in combination with ancient techniques and ecosomatic experiences. Kim Rathnau try to build bridges between art and ecology as well as indigenous approaches and holistic spirituality.
