Ateneum Art Museum Presents 'Arcana Borealis—Northern Women and Esotericism' in Helsinki

Launching on October 23 at the Ateneum Art Museum in Helsinki, the exhibition 'Arcana Borealis—Northern Women and Esotericism' presents over 200 pieces from 50 artists, delving into contemporary art through the lens of women's spiritual practices. Curators Dr. Nina Kokkinen and Dr. Marja Lahelma aim to redefine conventional art narratives by highlighting collaboration. The event will be open until February 28, 2027. Among the featured artists are Hilma af Klint and Anna Cassel, members of The Five, who explored spirituality around 1906. The exhibition also showcases Anna-Eva Bergman, Maja Fjaestad, Sonja Ferlov Mancoba, and Outi Pieski, whose performance addresses Sámi trauma. The title signifies 'hidden knowledge' and 'the north,' representing artists from Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Iceland, and Sápmi, with notable works including af Klint's abstract paintings and Pieski's 'Beavvit (Rising Together)' (2019).