In Toppila’s Oulu2026 mural, an origami sheet unfolds into a flower-like form

The central elements of artist Momo Yoshino’s work are the local people’s relationship with nature and the Japanese tradition of paper folding. The colors of the piece are drawn from the surrounding environment.

Visual artist Momo Yoshino’s artwork “Kami Circulation” has been completed in Toppila, Oulu. The Japanese artist’s mural was created as part of the Oulu2026 cultural program. The 4 × 38 meter artwork is located on the back wall of a car shelter at Mallastie 30. In her site-specific art, Yoshino explores the relationship between painting and space. Upon arriving in Finland, she was struck by the view from the airplane window: a flat land dotted with countless lakes. The open landscape reminded her of a sheet of origami paper that, when folded, conceals many shapes within. While developing ideas for the work, Yoshino explored Oulu, especially by cycling . A workshop was also organized for the elective visual arts students of Merikoski School’s 5th and 6th grades, where participants practiced origami folding and discussed their thoughts about Oulu and Toppila. “While meeting locals, I realized how closely nature is woven into everyday life here – perhaps because, without mountains, the forests and lakes are so easily accessible,” Yoshino says of her impressions of Oulu. The work Kami Circulation consists of six parallel paintings that gradually form an origami. According to Yoshino, the traditional Japanese art of paper folding reflects the same values as the local people’s relationship with nature: respect and a deep connection to it. “The forests, Oulu River, and the Bay of Bothnia shape the everyday life, and you can see the rain seeping into the ground giving life to the plants, continuing to flow through the river and into the sea. This very present circulation allows people to gather berries and mushrooms, catch fish and harness the energy of water. These natural elements of life are very present here, reminding that as part of the same continuous cycle everything returns to the soil – humans included.” In the artwork, a flat origami sheet finally unfolds into a flower-like form. The painting’s orange hues reflect the tones of the surrounding environment – the soil, Oulu’s rivers, the sea, and the old brick buildings of Toppila. “This work tells the story of life’s circulation – transforming flat land into folded forms, with deep respect for nature, people, and the cycle that connects them.” European Capital of Culture Year Mural in Oulu City Centre The Oulu2026 murals completed between 2022 and 2024 are located in Rajakylä, Tuira, and Myllyoja. The fifth mural for the European Capital of Culture year will be created in the city centre of Oulu to mark the anniversary, and the artist will be selected from candidates based in Finland. The portfolio call will open for visual artists living and working in Finland at the end of 2025. After completion, the Oulu2026 murals will become part of the collection of the Oulu Art Museum. The artwork’s art coordination and production were managed by Upeart, and it was created in collaboration with the Japanese Tsurumi Public Art Project. Further information: Upeart +358 50 468 6521 press(at)upeart.com