Noora Palmu:
From lichen deserted areas to loss of trees

Noora Palmu: From lichen deserted areas to loss of trees (Hall 1)

The exhibition takes us on a journey of lichens in Helsinki. The epiphytic macrolichens color the urban landscape and tell about the condition of the environment. Lichens are vulnerable to human-caused changes such as pollution. Industrialization and urbanization shapes the occurrence of lichens.

The exhibition describes the small signs that lichens create in the urban landscape. Lichens have changed along with human culture in Helsinki, and the lichens can be seen in the processes of environmental change. The epiphytic macrolichens work well as indicators, allowing us to understand the impact of various environmental factors, because lichens typically grow slowly enough that the rapid individual changes are not visible in them.

Noora Palmu's exhibition brings the history of lichens to light. The artist uses ceramics, light, paintings and sound to combine the vegetation produced by lichens in different eras. Lichens growing as small dots or larger, diverse patches show the direction of environmental pollution, purification and modern habits. Lichens are sensitive. Helsinki's lichen flora changes depending on the types of emissions produced around them. Some lichens will die more easily from traffic pollution, while others may benefit from nitrogen fertilization, for example. The microworld of lichens varies in shape, some with scabby surfaces and some reaching bushy branches. The amount of urban greenery in Helsinki reflects the park ideals and politics of the time. The existence of lichens can be read as signs of cultural changes in history and today.

It is interesting to consider what lichens tell us about the future and climate change. Based on this, it is possible to participate in a workshop on lichens and climate change during the exhibition every Saturday (1.2., 8.2.,15.2. and 22.2.).