Fotografiska Tallinn's Major Exhibition in the European Capital of Culture Oulu
This year, the Finnish city of Oulu holds the title of European Capital of Culture, focusing on the theme of cultural climate change. The Oulu2026 programme brings together a wide range of international art and creative projects, including the major exhibition PLAY by Fotografiska Tallinn, created specifically for the European Capital of Culture year and marking Fotografiska Tallinn’s first exhibition in Finland.
The group exhibition PLAY brings together 18 international artists including Martin Parr, Cristina de Middel, Susan Meiselas, Roger Ballen, Bruce Davidson, Nina Katchadourian, and Pelle Cass, alongside Jouko Lehtola, Trent Parke, Sage Sohier, Christopher Herwig, Karolina Wojtas, Niccolo Rastelli, Deanna Dikeman, Joosep Kivimäe, Mathias Väärsi, and Louis-Philippe Rondeau. Sound design for the exhibition has been composed by musician Erki Pärnoja. The exhibition explores play as an attitude toward life – a way to find joy, resilience, rebellion, and connection in a world in constant change.
„Play is a different way of being present – it reflects the space we allow ourselves and the permission to explore and experiment, regardless of age. Our aim was to create an art experience that encourages people to notice the potential for play around them and allow this way of thinking to re-emerge.“
The group exhibition PLAY, part of the European Capital of Culture programme, opens on 14 January at the Pekuri shopping quarter and will remain on view until 31 December 2026. After the conclusion of Oulu’s Capital of Culture year, the exhibition will travel to Fotografiska Tallinn.
Header: © Sage Sohier