As the autumnal embrace settled in at the end of October, HAM Helsinki Art Museum, the driving force behind the Helsinki Biennial, unveiled its report on the biennial edition, a symphony of artistic endeavor that undeniably achieved four of its five ambitious objectives.
Although it fell short of the lofty expectation of attracting , visitors, the effusive praise showered upon it by attendees and the attention it garnered from esteemed international media outlets such as Frieze, Forbes, Wallpaper, The Telegraph, and Euronews has left a positively resonant note.
Now is the moment for contemplation, to delve into the essence of this biennial and ponder its peculiarities. For the second consecutive time, the epicenter of the biennial extravaganza was the secluded island of Vallisaari, a serene oasis nestled near the historic Sveaborg fortress in Helsinki, a mere minute ferry ride from the bustling heart of the city, the Market Square.
This archaic haven, steeped in Finnish-Russian heritage, reverberates with echoes of its former glory, affectionately known as Aleksandrovsky in homage to Emperor Alexander II. Here, a rich tapestry of history unfolds, where centuries-old fortifications, military barracks, formidable artillery batteries, and a well-preserved powder magazine stand as silent sentinels to bygone eras.
In the 20th century, this island sanctuary belonged to the Finnish Defense Forces, shielded from public gaze, only to be graciously unveiled to eco-tourists a mere six years ago. Through the passage of time, Vallisaari has nurtured rare botanical species, sustaining a haven for a multitude of fauna and flora.
