Koski Kajaanissa 1919

Editor: This is Tyko Sallinen’s "Koski Kajaanissa," painted in 1919, using oil paints. The landscape is really striking with the blues and greys. There's a sense of turbulence in the water. What do you see in this piece? Curator: Sallinen’s expressive brushstrokes resonate with a specific historical context: the aftermath of Finnish independence and burgeoning industrialization. The scene isn’t just a depiction of nature. The rushing water might be interpreted as the rapidly changing social landscape. Considering Finland’s recent freedom, is this wild river a metaphor for a nation finding its course? Editor: That’s a really interesting way of framing it. I hadn’t considered the political angle, only the sort of visceral response to the landscape. I was focused more on the purely visual level, how the strong colors impact me, than about independence movements or societal transformation. Curator: Exactly. And those visceral reactions are crucial! The bold colours, characteristic of Expressionism, reflect the heightened emotions of a society grappling with change. Notice how the houses on the top aren't serene. They reflect a human footprint disturbing the natural one, the advent of urbanization. It also speaks about how humans are impacting our natural spaces. Does the work prompt any deeper thinking about environmental justice in relation to societal progress? Editor: It does now. The juxtaposition of that wild, turbulent water and the settled village beyond… it presents progress as this uneasy balance, perhaps even a confrontation. There is also a lot of beauty being lost because of this development. Curator: Absolutely. Sallinen challenges us to reflect on the true cost of progress, encouraging a dialogue between environmental awareness and historical understanding. Editor: That gives me a richer understanding, connecting artistic expression, historical context, and social commentary. Curator: And hopefully, the inspiration to see every landscape as an intersectional text of history, power and identity.