Henki (atmosphere, breath, spirit, ghost, life, person) ‘Henki’ is a particularly subtle and ambiguous Finnish word, which is quite difficult to translate into other languages with just one word. The word ‘henki’ has a slightly mystical aura dating from the ancient Finnish meaning of spirit of life – but it is also used in a more commonplace way as the word ‘atmosphere’, to describe an experience of a space based on an emotional response.

It is interesting to see the historical roots in words existing today, even though the origins and beliefs may have been forgotten. Several meanings that describe a persons inner life derive from the word ‘henki’ or ‘spirit’, such as ‘henkisyys’, ‘hengellisyys’, or in English, ‘spirituality’. Similar to the English use of the word ‘spirit’, the word ‘henki’ can also be used when talked of the essential nature of an object, a person or a thing. ‘Henki’ is a very ethereal word. This diversity of meanings makes it a highly rich and interesting word.

As a collective of three very different artists, based on this thought-provoking word, we offer this exhibition which includes video, photography and painting.

Iina Kuusimäki iinakuu(at)yahoo.co.uk
Ingrid Ung ingridung(at)hotmail.com
Katja Tukiainen katjatukiainen(at)hotmail.com
Katja Tukiainen www.katjat.net/