Artists Tellervo Kalleinen and Oliver Kochta-Kalleinen are creating The Most Valuable Clock in the World together with the people of Oulu – a large mechanical-electronic artwork whose value comes from personally meaningful moments donated by local residents. The work will be completed in 2026 and will tour different exhibition locations across the Oulu2026 area.
The clock, made in collaboration with Oulu residents, is a large mechanical-electronic piece: a tower-like structure surrounded by multiple screens showing video moments in hourly, minute, and second cycles. The hour hand reflects Oulu’s natural annual cycle, the minute hand shows meaningful everyday moments for Oulu residents, and the second hand flashes glimpses of special moments.
The Most Valuable Clock in the World is designed to travel. It will premiere in May 2026 at Orava School in Haukipudas. The tour will then continue across the Oulu2026 area: Valvesali in Oulu City Centre, Kierikki Stone Age Centre in Yli-Ii, Ylikiiminki community space, Oulunsalo Library, and Kiiminki Syketalo. After the tour, the clock will move to Aine Art Museum in Tornio as part of the Oulu2026 event series Everyone’s Birthdays. Detailed dates and opening hours will be announced in March 2026.
The artwork is part of the international Climate Clock art trail, curated by British curator Alice Sharp. Climate Clock is one of the most significant productions of Oulu2026, featuring internationally renowned artists creating six permanent works across the Oulu region. The works explore the nature of time and climate change.
There’s still room in the second hand! We invite Oulu residents to contribute to the artwork by donating a short video of a passing, valuable moment.
Taking part in the clock’s second hand is simple:
- Hold your phone in portrait mode
- All videos must be filmed during the year 2025
- Send your video via email to studiokalleinen@gmail.com during 2025
- The artists will take care of editing, so your clip can be slightly longer than one second
- Please note that we will not be able to use any sound from the videos
- If you wish to appear in the video yourself, ask someone else to do the filming
- If others appear in your video, you must have their permission
- You can participate either alone or as a group
- By submitting your video, you agree to donate it as part of the public artwork The Most Valuable Clock in the World.
