Finnish nature is home to diverse biological creatures and is a place where different species confront one another. At the same time, it is also an arena of struggle for diverse species. The exhibition Vieraskasvin varjo – A Shadow of an Invasive Plant focuses on invasive plants identified in Finnish nature, but are called 'alien'.

Vieraskasvin varjo – A Shadow of an Invasive Plant is an art exhibition that focuses on biodiversity, environmental systems, and the beauty of invasive plants in Finnish nature, as well as the hidden spread, invasion, and displacement of other species. In the photographs, we meet Garden lupin (Lupinus polyphyllus), Himalayan balsam or Indian balsam (Impatiens glandulifera), Canada goldenrod (Solidago canadensis), Canadian waterweed (Elodea canadensis), and Orange jewelweed (Impatiens capensis). 

The exhibition space is taken over by photographs showing the plants humans have brought to Finland. Some of the artworks contain references to human presence – the plant does not care about the obstacles or boundaries in its path.

The exhibition brings up-to-date information about the distribution, impact, and control of invasive plants in Finland. The texts include interviews with plant scientists and species experts.

AHJO Exhibition Space, Espoo Cultural Centre 9.1.-28.2.2026

The exhibition is open to the public during the Cultural Centre’s opening hours (Mon–Fri 8am–8pm, Sat 9am–6pm, and on Sundays during events).

 Free entry

Exhibition makers, the team:

Kerttu Penttilä - artist/ photographer, concept and exhibition curating

Pinja Forsman - set design and concept together with Penttilä

Venla Seuri - texts and interviews 

Salla Heijari - visual design and exhibition curating