The same sea. An online discussion with the director and curators of the First Helsinki Biennial

The First Helsinki Biennial is being held from 12 June to 26 September 2021, surrounded by the one-of-a-kind natural environment of the former military island of Vallisaari. The name of the first biennale, The Same Sea, is a reminder that everything is connected to everything else and therefore mutually dependent. The island is located in the open sea, not far from Helsinki, and is a natural reserve: its unique natural environment and the ruins of its historical structures are inviolable. The Helsinki Biennale is founded on principles of careful and responsible interaction with the surrounding nature, and the exhibitions shown on Vallisaari have been installed with the utmost care for the needs of the environment. The artists participating in the biennale created their works on Vallisaari itself, inspired by its picturesque and wild nature. The island provides the themes for contemplation, helping to crystallise the various concepts of interconnection and mutual dependence. Among these themes are the rela