Big Botanic

Parpansali sand field, Rauma 4 October –30 November 2025

Big Botanic arrived in the very heart of Rauma – in a BIG way. This extraordinary spatial sculpture, created by artist Pia Sirén, was constructed from weather protection scaffolding and translucent sheeting. Stepping inside transported visitors from the darkness of October and November straight into another reality: the illusion of a lush, blossoming botanical garden, bursting with greenery. But the plants in this garden were not imported from distant lands – they were organisms sculpted from standard construction materials such as sheeting, buckets, timber, hoses and zip ties.

Botanical gardens have been established around the whole world for research and education. Among the inspirations for Big Botanic is the famous Jardin des Plantes in Paris, which also influenced the design of the striking water feature inside the work. For two months, visitors to the Parpansali field in Rauma could enter a holistic, immersive space that felt at once vividly real and unmistakeably artificial. Big Botanic invited visitors to linger, to embark on imaginary journeys, and to explore the artist’s playful use of materials. It also encouraged us to consider modern humanity’s relationship with nature and the longing for distant and unknown places that exotic plants evoke in us.

Big Botanic also served as an events venue, hosting a series of unique concerts and workshops.

Pia Sirén uses materials not typically associated with art. Supplies commonly found on building or renovation sites are not generally considered either beautiful or interesting. Things like scaffolding and sheeting are used only for building, repairing or protecting something that is of greater value. In Big Botanic, the artist’s creative vision made these humble, everyday materials bloom into intriguing sculptures. When the work was eventually dismantled, nothing went to waste. All materials will be reused in Sirén’s future works or returned to their original purposes.

Sculptor Pia Sirén creates spatial sculptures – artificial landscapes built from hardware store supplies. Her work invites new ways of seeing everyday reality, revealing beauty in unexpected materials. She has held numerous solo exhibitions and participated in group shows in Finland and abroad. She has created several temporary public artworks. Big Botanic is Pia Sirén’s largest to date. She lives and works in Loviisa.

In collaboration with Telinekataja Oy, Bravida Finland Oy

With thanks for support to: Jenny and Antti Wihuri Foundation, Finnish Heritage Agency, Kone Foundation