A3 Refereed book chapter or chapter in a compilation book
Mire Art, Environmental Concern, and the Changing Cultural Heritage
Authors: Latvala-Harvilahti, Pauliina; Laurén, Kirsi
Editors: Kockel, Ullrich; Haanpää, Riina; Nic Craith, Mairéad; Siivonen, Katriina
Edition: 1st Edition
Publisher: Routledge
Publication year: 2026
Book title : Creative Perspectives on Sustainable Nature-Culture Relationships : Beyond the Anthropocene
Series title: Routledge Studies in Culture and Sustainable Development
First page : 65
Last page: 85
ISBN: 978-1-041-21587-5
eISBN: 978-1-003-72797-2
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003727972-4
Publication's open availability at the time of reporting: No Open Access
Publication channel's open availability : No Open Access publication channel
Web address : https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003727972-4
This chapter examines the changing use of and attitudes towards mires and peatlands from the perspective of the arts and artists. The study is based on the notion that there has been an increase in the number of art events, performances, and collaborative projects taking place in mires/swamps across Europe. Mire art can be regarded as a continuation of earlier phenomena of environmental art. This study highlights that artists in Finland are inspired by the mires in many ways. The starting point is to take a stand for the protection of mires, and to get people to pay attention to vulnerable nature. The main research questions are: What meanings do artists attach to mires as natural places? How does Finnish mire art potentially change the cultural heritage associated with mires? In different cultures, the anomalous nature of bogs/mires and wetlands has given rise to mythical and frightening images. Consequently, there has been a negative perception of pristine mires and efforts have been made to transform them into something more beneficial to humans. Mires have been drained for corn fields, forests, and peat production. With climate change, attitudes have changed, and mires are valued as carbon sinks. The aesthetic values of mires have also increased. At the same time, the role of artists has intensified. Through mire art, people are invited to experience nature in new ways. Moreover, mire-related artists may co-create their art projects with local residents. This research is based on the analysis of open theme interviews and participant observation from 2020 to 2021 with photographers, musicians, visual artists, and dancers as well as other professional artists.