Anni Rapinoja

ANNI RAPINOJA

Internationally known visual artist, sculptor and environmental artist Anni Rapinoja’s family roots date back to the 17th century in Hailuoto. In her works, Rapinoja deals with the relationship between man and nature, using natural materials collected from Hailuoto, such as swamp wool, lingonberry leaves, jujube leaves, willow, pine cones, plant seeds, animal bones and sand.

Nature moves in its own rhythm. Rapinoja listens to and follows this unique rhythm in her artistic work. Nature decides the final appearance of the works, such as the final colors. In the artist’s processing, plant parts become nature’s luxury wardrobe and deer antlers become chandeliers. Rapinoja is a Master of Philosophy graduate from the Faculty of Natural Sciences of the University of Oulu, and describes her art as her own environmental activism.

The forests of Hailuoto have touched viewers through Rapinoja’s art in dozens of domestic and international exhibitions and collections. Rapinoja’s works are included in the collections of Kiasma, Wihuri and Saastamoinen Foundations, Oulu Art Museum, among others. In 2021, Rapinoja was named an honorary member of the Finnish Sculptors’ Association and in 2022, the University of Oulu Alumni of the Year. In the spring of 2024, the Sámi Museum and Nature Centre in Siida, Inari, which was selected as both the European and Finnish Museum of the Year, will display Rapinoja’s Ruijanpolku work until 2042.