ART CENTER AHJO, HEHKU-ROOM; STATE OF NATURE

MATTI VASSINEN - STATE OF NATURE August 20 – September 7, 2025
PHOTO EXHIBITION

Matti Vassinen’s documentary photo series explores how individuals repurpose abandoned rural buildings, breathing new life into structures once deemed obsolete. Set in the North Karelian countryside, the series reflects on how societal frameworks shape human behavior and influence the environments we inhabit. In this landscape, nature quietly reclaims spaces left behind, while people reclaim buildings.

Vassinen captures these moments with gentle humor, highlighting the diverse expressions of autonomous agency. The exhibition presents a compelling interplay of portraits and environmental observations.

Matti Vassinen is a photojournalist and photographic artist based in a remote region of North Karelia. His work centers on social themes and the lived realities of rural communities. Luonnontila is an ongoing series begun in 2023, and this presentation at Ahjo marks its debut.
https://mattivassinen.com

Art Exhibition Opening:
19 August at 6 pm to 8 pm

Images:
Matti Vassinen - Exhibition poster (State of nature 1)
Matti Vassinen - State of nature 1
Matti Vassinen - State of nature 2
Matti Vassinen - State of nature 3