'Northern women and esotericism': Life after death explored at Finnish National Gallery

Life after death and the existence of spirits are key themes in the new exhibition at the Finnish National Gallery. Arcana Borealis' Northern Women and Esotericism explores how female artists from across the Nordic region and Sápmi have engaged with occultism, spirituality and magic. The exhibition is unusually large and it brings together almost 50 artists from all the Nordic countries, including Sápmi. And it has works in many different techniques, many different materials. And the timescale ranges from the late 19th century until today. So we also explore this phenomenon through contemporary art. The atmosphere around the theme of Halloween seems perfect to visit it in autumn. Esotericism is both about lightness, light and darkness. So, uh... We can explore themes such as death, for example, in art through this esoteric theme. And sometimes the hidden knowledge, the secret knowledge that esotericism is all about, can be found through exploring darkness rather than light. Exhibition at Ateneum Art Museum. Finnish National Gallery will be open until 28 February 2027.