Cultural Heritage meets Place-Specific Art : identifying, understanding and representing Kermajuppo

Abstract

In the present study, Kermajuppo, a place of northern cultural heritage encounters practices of place-specific art with the aim of identifying, understanding and representing its essence. At Kermajuppo, Finnish Lapland, remains of ancient hunting pits and food storage caches can be found, referring to the long-gone hunting culture and livelihood of the forest Sámi. However, the knowledge and ancient remains are slowly vanishing, and the research study tries to elaborate Kermajuppo’s characteristics, value and potential through a detailed place-specific, culturally and sustainable development proposal. The theoretical background of the thesis draws from different views on place, cultural heritage and both place-specific and community art.

With the approach of art-based action research, the study concentrates on a detailed personal and theoretical place survey, community engagement and development and iteration practices. The nearby community of Raanujärvi was targeted as a possible cooperation partner to evaluate present culture and traditions. The research process shows how place-specific art methods have been applied, what results they provide and where they had to be adjusted. It further presents a thoughtful possibility of community-based art to approach the small community of Raanujärvi, get them connecting with Kermajuppo and interested in further participation.

The research outcome in form of a visual place proposal for Kermajuppo, demonstrates the efficiency and potential of place-specific art and its methods to identify, understand and represent the cultural heritage of Kermajuppo. It provides detailed ideas and suggestions for Kermajuppo’s maintenance and representation, presents a memorable and valuable experience of Kermajuppo’s features and additionally offers a project possibility for active community participation. With the implementation of the development proposal, Kermajuppo can gain recognition, value and importance.

The place proposal was designed as a separate, artistic part of the thesis, is not included or depended on the research study and can be viewed on its own.