About

Idea & format

TRE TRE TRE is conceptualised as a curatorial format that brings together a series of processes and experiments situated in three different forest regions in the North Eastern corner of the Nordic countries. The forests of Pasvik, Paljakka and Temminki-Markkatieva are located at a distance of approximately 800 km from each other. Together they form a triangle.

Here, fieldwork is being conducted by small groups of artists and various other knowledge carriers. As we return to the forest with artistic tools, methods and gestures, we contribute towards weaving vessels of sensual knowledges, resting in forest-human relationships, and founded on the basis of each contributor's particular practice and affinities. Do we sense the knowing? As the processes gradually ground the work within these places, they make physical and imaginary connections between the three forest localities. They gradually perform a triangulation.

‘Triangulation’ is a term found in different fields. It is a method used in sociology and in geometry. In art it has been used to stress non-binary understandings and worldviews¹. Three, as a number, is considered auspicious, and even sacred, in most mystical traditions. In physics, the number is too large to describe, while mathematics says to prove that it exists. In some indigenous languages, only the numbers one and two exist, while the number after two indicates 'more'. Many words with the prefix tri- also have the meaning of more than two (e.g. the word Tribe).

In cartography, triangulation is an outdated method from when land surveyors physically measured and staked out elevations and distances using optical devices and physical measuring sticks (now replaced by GPS and trilateration). This mirrors the acts of TRE TRE TRE, where bodies and instruments are physically placed and in motion in the forest. One can only partially contribute to the simple principle of triangulation: That observation from more than two points provides a richer opportunity to understand phenomena.

¹ Malin Arnell and Åsa Elzén in Skogen kallar, a public art work that connects stories about the Fogelstad group, a queer feminist initiative formed in Sweden in 1921, to the act of preservation of a triangular shaped forest in Southern Sweden over the next 50 years.

Background & partners

TRE TRE TRE is founded on the idea of a long-term curatorial collaboration between three partners and places: Mustarinda in the border area between Hyrynsalmi and Poulanka in eastern Kainuu, Lena Ylipää in Lainio in eastern Kiruna municipality and Hilde Methi in Kirkenes, Sør-Varanger, in eastern Finnmark. They work contextually in relation to place and specific local situations. TRE TRE TRE is formed as a loosely knit network of constellations with artists, researchers and others who live here, or return over some years, processes in parallel and crossing paths.

One process-exploration related to soils started in Mustarinda in 2022, by Rusto Myllylahti, the duo Mar Fjell and Malin Arnell, Kristin Tårnesvik, Sallamari Rantala (from the Mustarinda association), Remi Vesala and Hilde Methi. New processes will take place through intermittent stays, and also with possible others from the network.

TRE TRE TRE is also collaborating with Nora Sørensen Vaage and the research project Anthropogenic SOILS (2022-2028)'s art part (among others) related to Pasvik and Sør-Varanger. More participants in SOILS will contribute to TRE TRE TRE, also in collaboration with Cornelya Klutsch and others at NIBIO Svanhovd.

With events and research on ecologies of soil substrate, forest and rural communities, TRE TRE TRE is aiming to challenge and alter understandings and the cultural values of "rurality" and "periphery", and disrupt the value systems that see these places, localities, and positions as mere extractable "resource areas".

TRE TRE TRE is run by Hilde Methi in collaboration with Nora Vaage Sørensen, Remi Vesala, Neal Cahoon, Mustarinda (Miina Kaatinen and Sallamari Rantala), Lena Ylipää, and in conversation with all involved.