Biocolours – Exploring Sustainable Colour Exhibition in Rovaniemi, 14 October–5 December 2021

The Biocolours – Exploring Sustainable Colour exhibition was displayed at the Valo and Katve I&II galleries in the Arktikum House, Rovaniemi, from 14 October to 5 December 2021. The exhibition offered a unique opportunity to explore the research on biocolourants and envision a more sustainable colour palette for the future. It examined how biocolours could become an everyday alternative to synthetic dyes.

Themes of the Exhibition

The exhibition focused on the history of natural dyes, the ecological and cultural dimensions of biocolourants, and their potential to promote a more sustainable coexistence with nature. Visitors were introduced to various organisms—such as bacteria, algae, fungi, and plants—that either produce biocolourants themselves or assist in their production. The exhibition also addressed the safety of biocolourants and their application in different contexts.

Contents and Contributors

The exhibition brought together perspectives from experts across multiple fields, including researchers, designers, artists, and entrepreneurs. It was curated by Professor of Practice Julia Lohmann and doctoral researcher Ingvill Fossheim from Aalto University. The displays included research findings from the BioColour project and collaborative works with the Faculty of Art and Design at the University of Lapland. Additionally, material-visual projects created by students during the Futures Studio course were featured.

Visitors explored the applications and uses of biocolourants through themes such as light and colour, performativity, and the Finnish biocolour palette. The students’ works were inspired by the concept of “northernness” and forecasts of fashion and textile trends, forming visions for the future of biocolours.

The exhibition showcased works from Aman Asif and Valentina Guccini, Ferske Scener, Konrad Klockars and Noora Yau, Monica Louise Hartvigsen, Nour Ainasoja and Henna Lampinen, Open-ended Ry / Jenni-Elina von Bagh, Päivi Fernström, The Sámi National Theatre Beaivváš, Tupu Mentu, Väkevä Collective and handicraft Sxience students from the University of Helsinki.

The BioColour Project and Collaboration

The exhibition was part of the BioColour research project, led by the University of Helsinki and funded by the Strategic Research Council at the Academy of Finland. The project aims to develop new methods for producing biocolourants and investigate their properties and applications. Alongside its technical focus, the project explores the social and cultural dimensions of colours, which are key to the widespread adoption and acceptance of biocolourants. The exhibition was realized in collaboration with the Faculty of Art and Design at the University of Lapland.

Acknowledgments and Partners

The exhibition was organized in partnership with Aalto Studios, Kesko Oyj, Laurizon, NatureGate – LuontoPortti, Natural Indigo Finland, and Nikari.

As part of Finland’s Year of Research-Based Knowledge 2021 program, the exhibition garnered significant interest from both professionals and the general public.