AMAZONIA FINLANDIA
The Yawanawá tribe originates from the Amazon Rainforest and its people share a deep spiritual connection and respect for the natural world. The Yawanawá travel the globe sharing their philosophy and listening to the stories of the forests and jungles from the countless cultures they visit. These experiences are brought back to the Amazon to cycle back through their teachings and art.
The Amazonia Finlandia photo series depicts their first encounters with the Finnish natural landscape and the flora and fauna found in this beautiful country. Nature is vital to their culture. It is woven through their music, clothing, art, and can be seen in their jewelry and skin paintings. As they are touched by the Finnish wilderness, the tradition carries on.
For the exhibition I chose to print the images on Finnish birch boards from Plywood Print. Both to connect the imagery directly to the Finnish forest and to support Plywood Prints commitment to sustainably-farmed, locally-sourced solutions for artists in Finland. As a result of this choice each image is remarkably unique with natural wood patterns—giving each photo it’s own spirit.
My name is David O’Weger. I live in Helsinki, Finland. I view photography as a life long lesson which continuously gives me new perspectives, experiences, and connections with people and places I visit.
