On the Waves of Love – A Community art Project in Alajärvi, 2025
In the summer of 2025, the town of Alajärvi will become the setting for a unique community art project that explores the many forms of love. Led by visual artist Minttu Saarinen, On the Waves of Love invites local residents and visitors alike to write love letters to whomever or whatever they wish. Each participant hands their letter to the artist and receives one in return – a heartfelt response written by Saarinen herself. Throughout the summer, these exchanged letters will grow into a collective work of art that will culminate in a final presentation during Alajärvi’s “Aaltojen kaupunki” event in August.
Saarinen is not merely creating an aesthetic object; she is also raising questions about how emotions can take shape through art. On the Waves of Love brings intangible feelings into a tangible form. The handwritten letters become precious artifacts that testify to personal connections, daily life, and the unique spirit of Alajärvi. Saarinen’s research into art history and heritage adds depth to the project, examining the ways we make sense of the past and present through cultural and creative practices.
Saarinen understands the gentle power of self-expression and shared experience. Writing a love letter — whether to a partner, a pet, a green power drill, or a favorite place — is an act of reflection that can offer emotional insight and healing. The reciprocal exchange of letters nurtures empathy and connection, allowing each participant to feel heard and seen. The process emphasizes that love is not confined to romance: it’s also about care, respect, small everyday joys, sorrow, longing, and our relationships with the natural world.
By gathering these letters in Alajärvi, On the Waves of Love also celebrates local cultural heritage. The personal stories and heartfelt messages will form a living archive of what love looks and feels like in this particular time and place. The work reminds us that tradition and cultural identity live not only in museums and history books but also in the emotions and memories of the people who call Alajärvi home.
The title On the Waves of Love draws inspiration from Alajärvi itself — its lakes, landscapes, and poetic spirit — and speaks to the shifting, ever-changing nature of love. Every letter becomes part of a larger, collective current that carries meanings across the summer and into the future. The artwork grows letter by letter, connecting people across generations, experiences, and hopes.