Henrietta Pitkänen: Flying Carpets of the Enchanted Forest – ceramic sculptures

The ceramic sculptures in the exhibition guide the viewer to observe the life of the flying squirrel forest from a fairytale-like perspective. Those with sensitive perception may notice inspiring natural details in the enchanted forest—details that they learn to appreciate and cherish.

The flying squirrel(Pteromys volans) is a unique and endangered inhabitant of our forests. With its large eyes, the squirrel gazes at the nocturnal scenery, including in Espoo, where trees have been planted to serve as gliding routes as part of conservation efforts. What might the flying squirrel see in its forest?

For the exhibition pieces, Henrietta Pitkänen (Lintukoto Arts) has drawn particular inspiration from the colors of the old forest. Through ceramics, she brings out the lichen hues of the aspen trunk—so important to flying squirrels and many other organisms—the darkness of black trumpet mushrooms, the green of spruces, and the red “eyebrow” of the capercaillie.

The groups of folk art–inspired sculptures are adorned with natural finds fallen to the ground from the artist’s home forest, as well as other natural and recycled materials, such as lichen-dyed wool.

Flying Carpets of the Enchated Forests exhibition is at Haltia 4.6.-24.8.2025.