For ageless time, Kallioholma island in the Reposaari archipelago on
the Finnish west coast gave shelter to fishers and was a popular picnic
place for natives.
The industrial plants
built in the 1970’s covered the islands with stone and concrete,
but the little Kallioholma survived as the outermost post against the
open sea, though, with a road connection to the urban milieu.
In year 2002, a
windmill, the biggest in Finland, was built on the island.
There couldn’t
be a better place; the wind conditions were good and the island had
lost its meaning of recreation.
For me personally,
the development was a frustrating experience. The road connection had
given access to the sea and created a popular observation point for
birdwatchers, me included. The building of the windmill and a plan of
new powerplants offshore were depressing for the remaining nature values.
To question about this plan, I started to photograph the change. With
time I did resign, and I am still keeping watch on the same island,
now with gravel under my feet and a basework of concrete as windshield.
No use fighting windmills!
This exhibition
portrays the events merely like an ongoing progress in general, rather
than a polemical statement. In spite of that, the actuality of the subject
can’t be ignored. This was not the only trigger for the exhibition,
but broadens views of meanings.
|