The Nordic wonder

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Volume Title

School of Arts, Design and Architecture | Master's thesis
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Date

2023

Department

Major/Subject

Mcode

Degree programme

Master’s Programme in Nordic Visual Studies and Art Education (NoVA)

Language

en

Pages

119

Series

Abstract

This thesis explores the integration of Shinrinyoku, the Japanese practice of forest bathing, with textile art to evoke the essence of the Nordic landscape. It addresses the research question of how Shinrinyoku, deeply rooted in Japanese culture, intertwines with the tactile language of textiles to mirror the essence of the Nordic landscape. Employing Arts-Based Research (ABR), the study investigates the translation of the sensory experience of Shinrinyoku into textile art, facilitating a cross-cultural dialogue between Japanese traditions and the aesthetics of Nordic nature. Inspired by the meditative landscapes of Kaii Higashiyama, the research is rooted in a personal artistic journey that reflects a profound connection between humanity and nature. The work comprises two hand-woven textile collections, Conscious and Phenomena, and a series of Jacquard-woven blankets titled Nordic Blankets. These collections provide an artistic interpretation of the Nordic environment, capturing its physical and emotional landscapes through Japanese aesthetic principles. The research unfolds through the creation of the artworks, an exhibition, and audience engagement, leading to a reflective analysis of the artistic process. The exhibition phase of the study serves as a practical application of ABR, offering insights into the cultural impact of the artworks and the public's emotional resonance with them. Additionally, it involves an intimate interaction with the final textile artwork through a photographic session, exploring the textiles' emotive quality and the embodiment of the Shinrinyoku experience. The thesis concludes with a discussion on the symbiotic relationship between art, nature, and cultural perception, acknowledging the study's limitations and proposing directions for future research. The Nordic Wonder aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of the role of art in environmental engagement and cross-cultural expression, highlighting the intersection of Shinrinyoku and textile art in a Nordic context.

Description

Supervisor

Tervo, Juuso

Thesis advisor

Vihma, Sini
Fagerlund, Hilkka-Maija

Keywords

Shinrinyoku, textile art, Nordic landscape, Japanese aesthetics, cross-cultural dialogue, Kaii Higashiyama

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