The exhibition Frozen Land showcases the beauty of cold northern nature with snowy landscapes and frosted trees. The photographs on display share the theme of Nordic winter landscapes, and embody the moment at which they were taken and the atmosphere in nature.
The photographs in this exhibition were taken in the course of several winters in various parts of Finland, but mainly in the Koillismaa region and the Finnish lake district. When taking the photographs, the temperature was often almost minus 30 degrees Celsius – or even colder. That not only put the photographer but also the camera to a test. Photographing nature requires being at the right place at the right time. For example, in order to be formed, steam fog requires a sufficiently large difference between the air and water temperature. If you’re lucky, there are a few such days in a winter. Then again, a severe winter storm may shake the crown snow loads off the trees.
Our winters are changing. Climate change will be reflected in the Nordic nature in a smaller amount of snow and ice. Will we be able to keep these fabulous, magical winters?
Frozen Land
17.–29.5.2022
Hours: 11:00–18:00 (until 15:00 on the last day of the exhibition)
ars gallery, 5-13-1 Jingumae Shibuya-ku Tokyo 150-0001
Gallery closed on Mondays
Free entrance
Maarit Kristiina Vepsäläinen is a 46-year-old photographer born in Savo, Finland, with a further and specialist qualification in photography. As a photographer, she is characterised by her desire to capture moments in nature that can never again be experienced in the exact same way. She wants her photographs to feature either interesting light – or the intentional absence of it. She is also interested in the element of depth. Depth allows the photographs to become something more than just surfaces, something that immerses the viewer in the depicted atmosphere.
“I started my career as a photographer with travel photography 20 years ago, but I’ve been carrying around a camera ever since I was a child. In 2011, I got my first digital Canon SLR camera and began to actively develop my photographic self-expression by attending various photography courses across Finland and, of course, by taking more photos!
I like taking pictures in my home region of Savo as well as in the Koillismaa region, Kuusamo and various parts of the North. Nordic nature is unique, partly even pristine, and beautiful in all seasons. In good weather and lighting conditions, the best place to take photos is often the local nature. In such favourable conditions, I usually take photos in the Rautalampi and Konnevesi regions, in the Finnish lake district.
Nature is a great source of resources and wellbeing. When I’m in nature, I find myself seeking places that exude peace and serenity, places where I can really be present in the moment. I hope that my photographs help the viewer forget the everyday hustle and bustle for a moment and take in the natural atmosphere and calm down in its embrace.”
Photos: Maarit Kristiina Vepsäläinen