Down in the bog – Thinking with Peatlands
September 9, 2024, 16:40-17:15 PM, Speaker Karolin Tampere, University of Tromsø, Norway
Abstract: In this multi sensorial presentation the attempt is to share moments from my ongoing
curatorial work “Down in the Bog – Thinking with Peatlands» where artists in dialogue with
scientists takes us on a deep dive into the curious ecosystem of peatlands. Slowly growing, like
peat forming, this is a research project-in-process. It is led by an ambition to make crosspollinating meeting grounds for contemporary art, environmental issues and the public. The
artworks in addition to a program with lectures, concerts and field trips, aim at large to give
poetic and imaginative nutrition to contribute creating attention towards the need for increased
care of peatland areas, locally, nationally and internationally. Practically and conceptually the
topic of peatlands is acting as a guiding map and compass to learn about historical, cultural and
contemporary changes in the environments in Sápmi, Northern Norway, Estonia and selected
locations internationally.
ABOUT: Karolin Tampere is an artist and curator born in Estonia and currently based in
Romsa/Tromsø, Sápmi/Northern Norway. She is part of the long-standing often place-specific
collaborations Sørfinnset skole/the nord land and Ensayos. Another trajectory in her artistic and
curatorial work is anchored in sonic practices, listening and music.
Karolin is a PhD fellow in artistic research at Tromsø Art Academy – UiT The Arctic University of
Norway and The Faculty of Fine Art, University of Bergen. She is also part of the research group
Worlding Northern Art (WONA) at the Faculty of Humanities, Social Sciences and Education at
UiT – The Arctic University of Norway.