Opening of Kristina Popov's exhibition "Body of Mire"

The University of Tartu Natural History Museum invites you to the opening of the exhibition Body of Mire by Kristina Popov on 26 November at 6 pm.

Dedicated to the ecosystem of mires and their role as the largest natural carbon sinks, Popov’s ongoing art and research project focuses on the family of peat mosses (Sphagnum). These mosses form dense carpets in raised bogs and transitional mires and are the primary plants responsible for peat formation. In Estonia, 40 species of Sphagnum have been identified, including 12 rare species, despite a targeted search, four of them are not recorded.

Following her recent solo show Soo at the Botanical Garden Tartu, Popov displays in the exhibition at the Natural History Museum new works as well as a new focus specifically on the macrocosm of Sphagnum mosses — tracing their internal structures and the formal beauty of these living organisms. Created in collaboration with local researchers and experts, the artworks are combining field research, microscopic images, and photographic analyses to reveal the hidden life and ecological condition of mires.

Linking scientific inquiry with artistic exploration, the project examines the potential of interdisciplinary approaches to rethink the relationship between humans and nature. Its goal is to heighten awareness of ecological interdependencies and inspire new perspectives on coexistence.

The curator of the exhibition is Marie Mergler.

The opening of the exhibition Body of Mire takes place in the University of Tartu Natural History Museum (Vanemuise 46, Tartu). Participation at the opening is free.