Tammerlampi artwork and other Art Realm ’26 Biennial public works unveiled ahead of the exhibitions

Three public artworks from the Art Realm ’26 biennial will appear in central Tampere even before the official opening of the visual arts biennial. Starting from May Day, passersby will be surprised and delighted by Ilkka Virtanen’s imaginative sculpture Carnivorous Plant Family, installed in Tammerlampi.
Punaisia liikennemerkin tyylisiä kylttejä puun kyljessä.
Janne Hokkanen: Human Nature III (2026)

The biennial’s theme, “Together,” extends into the public artworks all the way to the visitor experience, as people can encounter the pieces alongside fellow passersby. At the same time, the works also offer an opportunity to pause and take a break from the ever-present social media environment.

Osa kolmesta veistoksesta, jotka muistuttavat sekä kasvia että luurankoa.
Ilkka Virtanen: Lihansyöjäkasviperhe, 2026 (yksityiskohta).

Ilkka Virtanen: Carnivorous Plant Family (2026)

Sculptor Ilkka Virtanen (b. 1963) presents a work made of aspen wood depicting a couple and their offspring. In this summer installation at Tammerlampi, plant forms merge with figures resembling human skeletons, creating a joyful evolutionary hybrid. An entirely new species has come to life!

Janne Hokkanen: Human Nature III (2026)

Tampere-based Janne Hokkanen (b. 1983) explores humor and perhaps even sparks self-reflection through traffic sign–like installations placed along the walking routes of Kirjastonpuisto and Koskipuisto. The installation will be on display starting May 29.

Jussi Lahtinen: Urban AI Art “We” (2026)

In his media artwork, Jussi Lahtinen examines the city as a visual, cultural, and technological phenomenon. The work will be on view in the basement of City Hall from June 1 to August 16, and will also be displayed at tram stops from June 15 to June 28, 2026.

Animoitu kuva rakennuksesta punaisella taustalla, jossa näkyy myös korkea torni.
Jussi Lahtinen: Urban AI Art ”We” (2026)

Art Realm is a joint initiative of three regional art museums that organizes a contemporary art biennial rotating between different cities. The next biennial, organized by Tampere Art Museum, will open on 13 June 2026. 

Text: Virpi Nikkari
Photos: Janne Hokkanen, Ilkka Virtanen ja Jussi Lahtinen
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