Oskari Kaarne is the curator of FLASH5 light art biennale Veiled Light, held in Oulu in 2026. He’s a Finnish-Karelian multidisciplinary artist specializing in dance, theater and ritual performance. Actively engaged in various creative endeavours, Kaarne collaborates with diverse ensembles and projects, working as a director, choreographer, dancer, dramaturg, lighting/set designer and curator. Deeply rooted in Eastern Finland and the Karelia, Kaarne grew up immersed in Karelian folklore, music, and dance, shaping the rhythmic and mythological foundation of his artistic vision. His art serves as a form of heritage activism and decolonizing exploration of the Western mind, reconnecting with the animistic roots of our collective psyche.
EDUCATION
2026 Master of Arts (Theatre & Drama), University of the Arts, Theatre Academy, Helsinki, Degree programme in Lighting Design
+ Study module in Choreography
+ Studies in Ritualistic Theatre
2019 Bachelor of Culture and Arts, Oulu University of Applied Sciences (Oamk)
Degree programme in Dance Teacher Education, Study programme in Finnish folkdance
+ Studies in choreography and art production
2024 Traditional Sauna Healer
The association of traditional sauna healers (perinnesaunottajat ry)
+ Immaterial sauna culture, traditional sauna healing and rituals.
EXHIBITION CURATING
FLASH 5 – Veiled Light. The Finnish Light Art Society’s biennale in Oulu 2026