The fifth mural in the Oulu2026 mural series draws inspiration from the Year of the Fire Horse in the Chinese calendar. The final work in the international project will be created in Japan.
Visual artist Laura Merz’s mural Year of the Aurora Horse has been completed in central Oulu. The fifth work in the Oulu2026 mural series, which stretches across the city, was created as part of the programme for the European Capital of Culture year. Measuring 13.5 by 15 metres, the mural is located on the façade of a residential building at Heikinkatu 6. The work draws on the northern lights of Oulu, whose shifting colours and luminous movement are woven into the horse’s form.
Working in the fields of public art and illustration, Merz wanted to create a landmark-like and approachable work for Oulu’s urban landscape – one that leaves room for different interpretations and resonates with the local spirit of Oulu.
“The monumental horse in the mural symbolises freedom, change, movement, vitality, strength of character and independence. These qualities also reflect the spirit of Oulu as a technology-driven city,” Merz says.
In art history, the horse has often been associated with war and battle. In Merz’s work, however, it is seen as a symbol of peace, hope and positive change – a powerful yet gentle animal, as well as a sensitive and loyal one.
Year of the Aurora Horse 2026
The mural was inspired by the Year of the Fire Horse, which began in February according to the Chinese calendar. In many Asian countries, the Year of the Fire Horse is a culturally significant and widely celebrated period.
“The Year of the Fire Horse symbolises speed, endurance and an enterprising spirit. As Oulu celebrates its year as European Capital of Culture, my aurora horse is a tribute to the European Capital of Culture programme and to Oulu’s international character.”
“The aurora horse crosses borders, seasons and languages – just like culture,” Merz says.
The mural series has brought public art to different parts of Oulu
Laura Merz’s Year of the Aurora Horse completes the mural series created in Oulu between 2022 and 2026. The works can be found in locations ranging from the city centre to Toppila, Myllyoja, Tuira and Rajakylä.
“Our goal was to create a diverse collection of works connected by Oulu and a sense of locality. The locations were selected based on the wishes of local residents, while also bringing public art beyond the city centre, to areas where it has traditionally been less present,” says Yiorgos Slunga, Art Coordinator at Upeart.
The mural series will become a permanent part of Oulu’s cultural offering, leaving tangible landmarks of the European Capital of Culture year throughout the city. Activities around the works are also being planned beyond the Capital of Culture year. For example, the continuation of guided tours organised by the Oulu Region Guides is currently being explored.
International collaboration extends to Japan
The final part of the project will be completed at the end of October, when Oulu-based visual artist Anni Arffman creates a mural in Yokohama. In this way, Oulu2026 and the European Capital of Culture year will bring a tangible piece of Oulu to Japan.
“We have worked closely not only with the Oulu Cultural Foundation but also with the Oulu Art Museum, whose public art collection the works belong to. Our partners in the Japanese project are the Tsurumi Public Art Project, the Finnish Institute in Japan, the Yokohama Museum of Art and the City of Yokohama,” Slunga says.
“The mural series is one part of the impressive and diverse Oulu2026 programme, and at the same time a concrete example of what can be achieved through the international collaboration made possible by the European Capital of Culture year.”
Further information:
Upeart
+358 46 888 1271
press(at)upeart.com
