“Naava” is the soft, trailing lichen that clings to Nordic trees, indicating clean, high air quality. It evokes silence, resilience and the quiet beauty of the natural world.
This exhibition of modern rya textiles draws inspiration from that same spirit.
Rooted in centuries-old Finnish weaving traditions, the works on display reimagine rya as a contemporary medium: lush, tactile and expressive. Through bold textures, abstract forms and earthy palettes, Naava bridges past and present, exploring how traditional craft can speak to today’s emotional and ecological landscapes. Each piece is a tactile narrative, inviting viewers to experience the powerful intersection of heritage craft and modern design.
Melissa Sammalvaara (b. 1991) is an adventurous artist based in Porvoo and at various campsites across Finland. Since graduating from Aalto University in 2019, she has worked full-time as an artist. Her works are included in the Finnish State Art Deposit, the Oulu Art Museum collection, the largest private textile art collection in Finland and private collections around Europe and Asia. Sammalvaara has received several grants for her artistic work and is currently exploring new approaches to rya, combining traditional techniques with innovative methods.
