Johanna Lumme
Heart of the Evergreen Forest
You can encounter many things in the forest, but above all – you can encounter yourself.
Deep in the forest, trees carry with them ancient wisdom. They speak of a time before us and a time that will come after us. A wondrous world is hidden behind their intertwining roots. Johanna Lumme’s exhibition Ikimetsän sydän (“Heart of the Evergreen Forest”) invites you to step into the forest’s embrace. It has its roots in the children’s book written and illustrated by Lumme, Journey to the Evergreen Forest (Otava 2024), which follows the journey of Fox and Moth. The story begins with concern about the vulnerability of nature and a discovery of its diversity. The forest is in constant motion, where life cycles around and circles back.
The paintinglike sketches and original illustrations in the exhibition convey the aesthetics and mysticism of nature. Handwritten notes paint pictures of moments behind the story. The exhibition also features new paintings inspired by the same theme. It highlights Johanna Lumme’s way of viewing nature by observing its surfaces and textures. It reminds us that the forest is not just one large entity but is made up of countless small elements. The exhibition invites you to halt among the trees, to discover the spirit of the forest and to find yourself in its rhythm: “When I am in the forest, the forest is in me. And I’m immersed in its everlasting foliage.”
Words: Annastiina Karvanen
Welcome to the exhibition opening on the International Day of Forests, Friday, 21 March 2025, 5–7 pm.
The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed March 21, 2012, the International Day of Forests to celebrate and raise awareness of the importance of all types of forests. Countries are encouraged to undertake local, national and international efforts to organize activities involving forests and trees.
The organizers are the United Nations Forum on Forests and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in collaboration with Governments, the Collaborative Partnership on Forests and other relevant organizations in the field.
Bio
Johanna Lumme (b. 1990) is a visual artist, illustrator and author based in Helsinki. She graduated as Master of Arts from Aalto University, and her paintings have been featured in numerous exhibitions and international art fairs. Lumme began painting as a child when she was living in France. She has always loved journeying in nature and has also spent time in North Karelia since childhood. Many of her works are inspired by these landscapes, and the delicacy of nature and the experiential aspects of her relationship with nature also play a key role. Lumme sometimes works in the midst of nature, and the impact of the surrounding environment is directly reflected in her work.
Johanna Lumme will be present at her exhibition on Saturday March 22 and Sunday March 30 from 12-16. Welcome to meet the artist!
@johannalumme (Paintings)
“The Journey to the Evergreen Forest” is written and illustrated entirely by her, with the support of Kone Foundation, Niilo Helander Foundation, Otava Book Foundation and Arts Promotion Centre Taike.
The Great Forest Dialogue Day
On the Great Forest Dialogue Day 2 April 2025, organized by Kone Foundation, Lumme will lead a workshop for children at the gallery on observing forests and our relationship with nature.
