A portrait of a bird (2025)
A portrait of a bird is an anthropocentric, or human-centered, interpretation of the barnacle goose. Anthropocentrism is a perspective that emphasizes the special status of humans in relation to the animal kingdom and generally views nature as a tool for humans (Tieteen termipankki, March 30, 2026).
Barnacle geese are increasingly common visitors to Finland's coastal areas and inland waters. Although geese are a protected species under Finland's Nature Conservation Act, they are generally considered undesirable and annoying by people because of their droppings and their takeover of urban spaces. This intensification of coexistence forces us to question the idea of cities as cultural spaces detached from nature and to look for ways to learn to share space even with species that are perceived as difficult or troublesome.
Mixed media The materials used are barbed wire, Barnacle goose feathers and picture frame. The work measures 29cm x 21cm.
A portrait of a bird is a part of a series of works, that will be created in collaboration with Varpu Mehto, PhD in Philosophy, as part of her research project Multispecies Childhood: The City as a Shared Space for Children and Barnacle Geese.
The materials I use in this series of works are Barnacle goose feathers and down that I have collected, as well as fishing lines that we have picked up together. Through collaboration, we explore and seek ways to live side by side, together and reciprocally, with white-fronted geese and other species.
Photo by Mirei Kato, 2025.