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Enter Woodland Spirits

Enter Woodland Spirits is both a new online anthology of nature folklore compiled from the collections of the Estonian Folklore Archive and an international art exhibition giving voice to the tales in a contemporary cultural society.

Story

In a rapidly evolving digital and technological age, humanity is becoming increasingly detached from nature and ancestral skills. Nevertheless, the values of the Northern forest regions, including respectful relationship to nature, continue to resonate within us. It is our responsibility to narrate and disseminate this story through artistic works and translations.

Experience

The project consists of two intertwined parts.

We are compiling a collection of written texts, audio recordings, images and videos reflecting the connection between human beings and nature. The collection Estonian Nature Folklore is intended for everyone to use online and also for long-term continuous updating. The online anthology aims to illuminate the folklore collections and their significance from an ecological point of view. It will delve into the mindset of the Northern people, which reveals both a utilitarian and a sustainable aspect, as well as a respectful relationship with nature as a soulful, powerful partner.

Secondly, the exhibition Enter Woodland Spirits emerges from a collaboration between artists from the Northern and Baltic regions, who embrace the essence and reverence for nature lore in their artwork. Drawing inspiration from the online anthology, the exhibition offers visitors an immersive experience through interactive installations and other hybrid art forms. These artistic creations transform the exhibition space into atmospheric rooms, enabling multiple ways for visitors to engage with the works.

The international art exhibition Enter Woodland Spirits centers around a series of inquiries. It seeks to explore how technology-driven art can provide a deeper understanding of the world, update the wisdoms of folklore, and make the essence of nature tangible and perceptible.

Impact

The exhibition, rooted in folklore, provides an artistic experience that creates an emotional relationship with nature and helps to rediscover and recreate the meaning of old traditions.

A house in the woods.