The artist talks about the birth of Longing

Pia Hentunen

Messages of love and longing for deceased pets are preserved in the marbles of the sculpture.

My art often deals with the communication and connection between different species. Pets are hugely important to people. Also the wild animals in our environment give meaning to people’s everyday lives. This cross-species love is visible in the pet cemetery and has also inspired the content of my work. These messages were collected and preserved during the workshops with volunteers in Sanginkontu.

The work was produced in collaboration with Hyvän mielen talo, ODL, Pohde/Tyrnävä workshop and Restaurant Pömilä. Warm thanks to all of them!

LONGING, Pia Hentunen, sculpture, stainless steel, Yakisugi-treated wood, steel wire, marbles and luminescent pigment (2025).

The work is located along the Kiekonlenkki trail. Departure is from the parking lot of Kiekonmaja, Kiekonmajantie, Oulu.

Photos and videos: Satu Pietilä

Memories of beloved pets were wrapped in glass marbles in workshops.
Winter time photo: Riitta Johanna Laitinen
Longing in winter mood, November 2025. Photo Satu Pietilä.

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