Mutatis Mutandis A reflection on new visual perspectives on Finnish landscape and its notion of home and belonging in visual arts.

Abstract

The thesis is a critical reflection on Mutatis Mutandis, a curated publication, which is the practice-based outcome of this research and that mediates multiple perspectives on the Finnish landscape. The book showcases a curated collection of personal essays, artwork analysis and a text exploring the notion of home and identity, nation-state building and belonging. Mutatis Mutandis brings together critical views that question the homogeneous representation of landscape in the Finnish national narrative by exhibiting artists who have different backgrounds, cultures and visions.

The thesis presents the publication and critically expands on the key topics and questions emerging from the publication. Its structure mirrors the reflection points emerging in Mutatis Mutandis: from understanding national narrative and the imagery construction in Finland, the landscape and nature usage, perceptions on socio-political frameworks in Finland, ideas of belonging and landscape memory.

Alongside the publication, the thesis also conveys a call for action for practicing walking as a way to reclaim our own territories and landscapes.