No Such Thing As Too Many Scarecrows
Welcome to Finland, a country of stunning landscapes, the northern lights, and the famous Silent People of Suomussalmi! These life-sized scarecrows, installed by the artist Reijo Kela, have been part of the Helsinki neighborhood for over 30 years. The locals take great care of them, changing their clothes every year as a sign of respect.
For us, it may just be an art installation, but for the locals, it’s a beloved part of their culture. The artist chose to remain silent on the meaning of his artwork, leaving the interpretation to the viewers. This enigmatic piece featuring an army of faceless, motionless figures has provoked unsettling emotions in many.
