Kaisu Koivisto stayed at the Narva Art Residency in July 2017 and again in May–June 2024, when she presented her exhibition “Passages”. Koivisto shares her lasting connection to Narva through her residencies and ongoing exploration of the Ida-Viru County. Kaisu Koivisto’s next visit to the region is already planned.
We encourage Finnish citizens and artists living in Finland to apply for the Finnish Cultural Foundation grant for 2027. The application round is now open until 31st of August 2026. Find more information here: nart.ee/en/grants-for-artists-residencies/
Photographing in Kreenholm, 2017.
Visiting the Narva area years ago sparked my curiosity for the eastern part of Estonia. In 2017 I was happy to have the chance to stay at the NART residency, which at that point was still in its beginning phase before major alterations such as the shared kitchen. Back then I was the only artist in residence in the building. Indeed it was a bit spooky, but luckily I had my little dog with me.
In addition to working on my art projects I took lessons in Russian language to help in communicating with people I met while walking extensively around Narva and getting to know people, the environs and the multi-layered histories of the border city. I was thrilled to begin my photography project Passages, which I still continue working on. During both of my stays I led an open paper cutting workshop to share ideas and creating. The workshop brought together participants interested in experimenting with scissors and all kinds of recycled papers.
The first stay at the residency laid a good foundation and a longing to return to Narva. In 2022 I returned for another residency, to find the Kreenholm villa brimming with activities and many other artists at the residency. I enjoyed the company of fellow artists in residence, and the numerous events organized by artists and the staff. It was also inspiring to discuss with the students and teachers from the Estonian Academy of Arts.
I keep returning to Narva. In 2024 I had the opportunity to show my Narva-inspired works in my solo exhibition Passages. Of course my next visit to Narva and the Ida-Virumaa region is already planned!
Kaisu Koivisto’s exhibition Passages at NART in the spring of 2024.
Kaisu Koivisto: From the series Passages. Pigment print, 2023.
Kaisu Koivisto: From the series Passages. Pigment print, 2023.