Arcana Borealis to present the spiritual art of Northern women for the first time

Arcana Borealis – Northern Women and Esotericism, 23 Oct 2026–28 Feb 2027 

Arcana Borealis – Northern Women and Esotericism continues the Ateneum’s persistent work to highlight women artists. The exhibition is the first showcase of the work of Northern women artists who have been influenced by alternative spiritual currents. The exhibition is groundbreaking, as the profound connection between modern art and esotericism, occultism and magic has previously been explored mainly through famous men artists. 

Based on an international research project, the exhibition makes the work of unknown artists visible to the general public, challenges the grand narratives of art history, and expands our understanding of what modern art is. 

The exhibition features both well-known and overlooked artists from the 19th century to the present day, including Anna-Eva Bergman, Anna Cassel, Ilona Harima, Sonja Ferlov Mancoba, Maja Fjaestad, Hilma af Klint, Iria Leino, Outi Pieski, Laila Pullinen, Elga Sesemann and Ellen Thesleff. 

The exhibition features approximately 50 women artists from the Northern region, including Finland, Sweden, Iceland and Sápmi. In the exhibition, the North is presented as a cross-border entity, shaped by its own geography and imagery, that transcends the nation state. 

Arcana Borealis highlights how esotericism, occultism and other alternative spiritual currents have become part of the artistic expression and everyday life of the artists. The key themes of the exhibition include the relationship between spirit and matter, questions related to life after death and the existence of the spirit world, and the aim to live in harmony with nature. 

Arcana Borealis challenges the genius myth 

Modern women artists have used art to seek a deeper meaning in their lives and to connect with the forces of nature and the universe. In times of uncertainty, such as wars and crises, people turn to spirituality to find meaning, lasting values and a sense of security, as well as new ways of engaging with and shaping society. 

In the exhibition, esotericism, which refers to higher, secret knowledge, manifests itself as both a historical and a contemporary phenomenon that is linked to many themes visible in current popular culture. Even in today’s rapidly changing world, people are seeking a deeper connection with each other and the surrounding reality. 

The artist women featured in the exhibition have created art, supported each other, and practised spirituality together. The idea of art as a communal practice challenges the traditional art-historical narrative of the genius men working alone. For example, Hilma af Klint (1862–1944), who has been hailed as a pioneer of abstract art, worked in close interaction with a community of women around her. 

Artistic creation and diversity of materials play a key role 

The range of materials featured in the exhibition is exceptionally wide, including textiles, ceramics, metal engravings, and traditional media from sacral art, such as stained glass and mosaics. Arcana Borealis blurs the boundaries between art and handicraft. The process of artistic creation and the diversity of materials assume an important role alongside the final objects of art. 

Åsa Elzén’s (b. 1972) work Transcript of a Fallow (2019) combines handicraft, women’s history and communal creation of art. If you take off your shoes, you can walk on the carpet, which is made of recycled textiles. This large-scale piece is a reinterpretation of the artist and theosophist Maja Fjaestad’s (1873–1961) En Träda (A fallow, 1919–1920). 

Handicraft involves matrilineal transmission of tradition, that is, passing down knowledge and skills from one woman to the next. Sámi duodji, the traditional Sámi craft tradition, brings together spirituality, the tacit knowledge passed on from one generation to another, and values related to nature. 

A research-based exhibition catalogue offers new perspectives on art history 

The exhibition is curated by Nina Kokkinen, a researcher of art and religion (University of Turku, until 31 July 2026 the Donner Institute), and Marja Lahelma, chief curator at the Ateneum.

The exhibition is based on the multi-year international research project Northern Women, Art and Esotericism, which has been led by Nina Kokkinen and Marja Lahelma.

The exhibition catalogue is written by an international group of researchers and experts, each contributing extensive and current knowledge. The richly illustrated and visually striking catalogue provides newly researched information on the meaning of esotericism and alternative spirituality in modern and postmodern art. It also makes previously unpublished and unknown materials available to the public. Through these contributions, the catalogue opens a completely new and in-depth perspective on the topic. 

Press images: press.ateneum.fi

More information:
Communications officer Reetta Haarajoki, tel. +358 50 476 6290, reetta.haarajoki (at) ateneum.fi
Communications manager Anna Kari, tel. +358 40 717 8185, anna.kari (at) ateneum.fi 

Ateneum Art Museum

Opening hours:
Mon closed | Tue 10–18 | Wed–Thu 10–20 | Fri 10–18 | Sat–Sun 10–17 
From 1 July to 31 August 2026, the Ateneum will also be open on Mondays, from 11:00 to 17:00. 

Admission fees:
Standard ticket at the ticket office €23 | Standard ticket online €21 | Concession ticket €13 | 18–24-year-olds €13 | Under 18-year-olds free of charge | Free admission with a Museum Card