Big Botanic

Parpansali sand field, Rauma 4 October –30 November 2025

This autumn, Big Botanic will arrive in the very heart of Rauma – in a BIG way. This extraordinary spatial sculpture, created by artist Pia Sirén, will be constructed from weather protection scaffolding and translucent sheeting. Stepping inside will transport 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 haven’t been imported from distant lands – they’re 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 that will form part of the finished piece. For two months, visitors to the Parpansali field in Rauma can enter a holistic, immersive space that feels at once vividly real and unmistakeably artificial. Big Botanic invites visitors to linger, to embark on imaginary journeys, and to explore the artist’s playful use of materials. It also encourages 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 will also serve as an events venue, hosting a series of unique concerts and workshops throughout October and November. The specially curated programme will be announced in August, along with details of free ticket booking.

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 makes these humble, everyday materials bloom into intriguing sculptures. When the work is eventually dismantled, nothing will go 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

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